news and notes
Park Ranger events this summer From May through August ranger will provide two free family events each Saturday at Explore Park! Each week, there will be a hike at 9:00 a.m. and an afternoon activity at 2:30 p.m. The afternoon event will alternate between a ranger chat and a craft activity. Visit roanokecountyparks. com for more information, or call 540-427-1800. Explore Park is located at milepost 115 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. U.S. Department of Energy created a Better Buildings Challenge several years ago with the intent to increase energy efficiency in American cities. The City of Roanoke joined the challenge in 2012, committing 30 buildings (1.16 million square feet) to a 20 percent energy reduction by 2022. After seven years of
hard work, the city was recognized in April for officially exceeding its Better Buildings Challenge goal — three years ahead of schedule, they achieved a 23 percent reduction! The largest wins were the Berglund Center, with a 30 percent reduction, and the jail/courthouse complex, with a 25 percent reduction.
T
he RCACP is letting the dogs out — and they need your help! A new “field trip” program, Roanoke Adventure Dogs, pairs members of the community with shelter dogs for offsite field trip fun. Not ready to adopt, but still want to help out a dog in need? RAD allows adoptable dogs to spend some much-needed time outside the shelter going on day-long adventures with dog-loving volunteers. Whether adventure means going on a hike, a nice walk on the greenway, a trip to a local dog-friendly restaurant, or a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is up to you! This program was designed to make it easy for the community to participate, so signing up is easy. Participants will be provided with everything they need for a successful field trip. Individuals or families interested in the Roanoke Adventure Dog program should email Meghann Cords at mcords@rcacp.org, or call the shelter at 540-3444922.
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Family/June 2019