WASHINGTON, D.C.— Volunteerism in the National Park Service hit record highs in 2004 with 140,000 volunteers contributing 5 million hours of service to national parks. This 14% increase in the number of volunteers since 2003 reflects the support that President and Congress have provided, National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella said today.

“Volunteers are vital to the continued success of the National Park Service in caring for and preserving our national parks,” said Mainella. “I am in constant awe of the magnitude of work that is accomplished because of the dedication, devotion and love of these national treasures by volunteers. National Park Service volunteers are an inspiration to all of us, and that has been recognized at the highest levels of government.”

The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program has grown steadily since its beginnings in 1970. The soaring numbers of 2004 are primarily due to new program directions and increased visibility of the volunteer experience, with the Take Pride in America effort contributing greatly to the increase. The Take Pride in America NPS Park Steward Event Program provided grants to 50 parks for special volunteer activities.

Some highlights of volunteer successes include:

NPS volunteers have gained recognition through a number of national news publications, and through the Take Pride in America national volunteer awards and the annual National Park Service volunteer awards. Eight national volunteer awards were presented in 2004 to deserving NPS recipients for outstanding work and innovative ideas.