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Local Volunteers Help National Parks Recover From Government Shutdown

By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The National Parks are back up and running, but the 16 day federal government shutdown left many of the grounds in our area covered with leaves and debris -- and park cleanup is a little behind schedule. But one group in Philadelphia is doing its part to help beautify the parks.

"Today we brought volunteers out to help clean up the National Park" says Maiti Gallen, the program director with the Friends of Independence National Park.

Gallen says the shutdown left them frustrated and wanting to do something.

"Well the national park service staff is fantastic with cleaning up and making sure the park looks beautiful," she says. "The shutdown put them so far behind that they need all the help they can get."

Gallen, with the help of about 16 other volunteers, cleaned up in the areas around Dock Street in Old City.

"It is a large traffic area for locals and business people around here, as well as visitors," Gallen says. "It becomes a very big safety concern if there are a lot of leaves, because it becomes a slippery condition."

Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service:

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