WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is calling on community members to volunteer during the MLK Weekend of Service, Saturday, Jan. 17 through Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the national Weekend of Service encourages Americans to give back and strengthen their communities through volunteerism.
This year’s volunteer opportunities include Weed Warrior events to remove non-native invasive plants from local parks, as well as park and stream cleanups to help protect and beautify parks. Registration is required for all volunteer activities. To sign up for an MLK Weekend of Service project or explore additional opportunities throughout the year, visit the Montgomery Parks volunteer webpage.
“Montgomery Parks is incredibly fortunate to have thousands of volunteers who help care for our parks and streams year-round,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “MLK weekend is a meaningful opportunity for both returning and first-time volunteers to come together and make a lasting difference in our communities.”
Montgomery Parks MLK Weekend of Service volunteer opportunities:
Weed Warrior Workdays:
Saturday, Jan.17:
Elmhirst Parkway Neighborhood Conservation Area, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Rock Creek Regional Park–Lake Frank Area, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Northwest Branch Recreational Park – Disc Golf Course, 1–3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 18:
Long Branch Stream Valley Park Unit 2 (Wayne Ave area), 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 19:
Sligo Creek Stream Valley Unit 4, 9 –11 a.m.
Rachel Carson Conservation Park, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Park Cleanups:
Saturday, Jan. 17:
Aspen Hill Local Park, 9–11 a.m.
Sligo Creek Trail – From Colesville Road to Wayne Avenue, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Long Branch Local Park, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Dale Drive Neighborhood Park, 1–3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 18:
Glenmont Local Park, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Winding Creek Local Park, 12–2 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 19:
Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Takoma-Piney Branch Local Park, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Gunner’s Lake Local Park, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cross Creek Club Local Park, 12–2 p.m.
The Montgomery Parks Volunteer Services Office offers year-round volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, students, businesses and civic groups, with options ranging from one-time projects to ongoing commitments. Contact the Volunteer Services Office for more information.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 415 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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