The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance is seeking volunteers for a conservation project at Sleepy Hole Park Saturday.

This volunteer opportunity will be from 9 a.m. to noon near the pier at Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Road. Volunteers will plant more than 120 new plants in the riparian buffer and native plant arboretum at the park.

“With our riparian buffer conservation project, the next phase is to plant five flower beds in the buffer area,” said NRPA President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Taraski. “These are native to this area and help with the whole ecosystem.”

The trees, shrubs and other plants at this Sleepy Hole site act to reduce pollution that’s carried into the Nansemond River by stormwater runoff. The native trees and shrubs also serve as habitats and food for birds, butterflies and other insects.

“We need people to come out and help plant the 129 plants we have and also help with light maintenance of the site,” Taraski said. “If they can come and they can bring gloves and any type of gardening tools, that would be great.”

Taraski said the gardens are strategically planned with some in the sun and some in the shade. It is a great time for people to learn more about the best types of plants for their own landscaping at home, she added. High school students can earn community service hours.

Taraski asked people to show up more towards the beginning of the time frame. Email her at taraski.nrpa@gmail.com for more information.