The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance is asking for volunteers to help prune and prepare a walking path from 9 to 11 a.m. this Saturday near the pier at Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Road.

This work will be done on the riparian buffer and native plant arboretum near the pier. The site helps to reduce pollution that’s carried into the Nansemond River by stormwater runoff, and the native trees and shrubs also serve as habitats and food for birds, butterflies and other insects.

Volunteers will prune the native shrubs, and also place river stones around young trees to protect them, as well as along sections of the walking path. These 1- to 3-inch river stones were purchased through a Dominion Energy Foundation grant, according to Elizabeth Taraski, president and chief executive officer for the NRPA.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own pruning tools, as only about a dozen pruning tools will be provided by the NRPA. This volunteer opportunity also meets high school community service requirements.

For registration and other information, contact Elizabeth Taraski by calling 708-6114 or emailing taraski.nrpa@gmail.com.