were honored May 21st with one of historic preservation’s highest honors, presented by the Civil War Trust during its annual conference and awards banquet....click here and scroll down to 'May 2011' under the Archives section.

The Wilderness Battlefield is one of more than 100 Civil War battlefields, parks and historical sites participating in Park Day 2011, sponsored by the Civil War Trust (CWT) and History.com.  This event takes place Saturday, April 2nd and will involve thousands of volunteers across the United States as they work to clean-up and repair facilities, exhibits, and grounds of historical significance.

Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is coordinating Park Day activities on the Wilderness Battlefield.  FoWB will provide trash bags and safety vests for those working along the roads.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and their own reflective vests if they have them.   

While supplies last, each volunteer who participates will receive a free t-shirt donated by CWT and History.com; and, Scouts who take part will receive a patch from CWT.  FoWB will provide free water and snacks to all volunteers.  Click here for the latest project completed at the Wilderness Battlefield. Click here for last year's Park Day 2010!

Projects will include litter pick up throughout the battlefield, painting of interpretive panels, cannons and limbers, removal of debris and fallen trees, and cleanup around monuments.  Volunteers with
pickup trucks are needed to help haul away the trash and debris.

 The event begins at 8 a.m. and volunteers must report to the Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter for assignments.   The shelter is located on Route 20, about 1.6 miles west of its intersection with Route 3. The event will be conducted rain or shine.  (However, in case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled for 8 a.m., April 9th.)

Pre-registration via phone or email is strongly encouraged to expedite task assignments.   Contact Mark Wakeman by clicking battlefield@fowb.org and using category 'Battlefield Volunteers', or call 540-760-5948.

Civil War Trust (CWT) is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United
States.  Its goal is to preserve the nation’s endangered Civil War sites and to promote the appreciation of these hallowed grounds through education and heritage tourism.

Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and protect the historic Wilderness battlefield.  

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) on November 17, 2010 released a study that highlights the economic benefits of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, of which the Wilderness Battlefield is a part.

In releasing the study, Joy Oakes, NPCA's senior Mid-Atlantic regional director stated:  “While national parks are created to protect America’s heritage, they have also become economic engines in their communities and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is no exception. A park’s long-term economic benefits to its neighbors are directly linked to its integrity and its setting.  Localities can protect the park’s historic character, and meet growing demand for recreational opportunities, by developing new trails, local and state parks providing access to camping and water, and implementing other strategies that are compatible with protecting the park and the region’s historic character.”

For more information:

NPCA Press Release

Free Lance Star News Story

NPCA Study