Dakota Times

Dakota County wouldn't look or function the same way without the many contributions of its dedicated volunteers.

During National Volunteer Week, Dakota County is recognizing those who give of their time to make the county's resources shine, improve the natural resources and help fellow residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected, but has not deterred, volunteering in Dakota County.

In 2021, Dakota County volunteers:

• Numbered more than 2,500 and logged 23,523 hours of service – an estimated value of $671,346.
• Played a critical support role in the county's COVID-19 pandemic response and ensured vaccination clinics ran smoothly.
• Helped with native habitat restoration, river and highway cleanup, library services, nature studies, park trail patrols and recycling efforts.
• Planted 4,330 native plants (970 of which were grown in volunteers' homes over the winter).
• Removed 1,270 bags of trash from 183 miles of county roadsides.
• Traveled 282 miles to deliver books to homebound people.

“We are so grateful to our many volunteers for all their hard work and dedication," Dakota County Board Chair Kathleen A. Gaylord said. “They give generously of their time and expertise to enhance our services and help make the county a great place to live."

Learn more about Dakota County volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and Internship Opportunities page.  

Original source can be found here.