If you appreciate the green spaces in Columbia, you have the Columbia Park Rangers to thank.

"We do all kinds of landscape-related work, including edging, weeding, pruning, raking, mulching, tree trimming, and planting," said Jeffrey Groff, president of the group. "We've installed park benches and painted. We co-chair the annual Arbor Day event with the Columbia Shade Tree Commission."

The Columbia Park Rangers formed more than 20 years ago after Bill Kloidt and Groff, both former members of the Columbia Jaycees, realized a community need. When members age out of the young-adult-focused Jaycees, they are expected to take their experience with the group out into the community, Groff explained. Kloidt approached Groff with the idea of the rangers.

"Parks and public spaces were in need of attention, and he wanted to form an organization to address that," Groff recalled. "After several organizational meetings, the Columbia Park Rangers became official in March 2001."

The group's mission statement is to provide volunteers to assist with the maintenance and improvement of Columbia's parks and public spaces, Groff shared. The majority of the group's work occurs in the spring when the volunteers perform cleanups. "Sometimes, we're asked to assist with something, but more often, we're proactive and make the initial contact especially with areas where we've been helping for many years now," he explained. "In February, we have our only meeting of the year, and it's for the purpose of annual reports, planning and elections."

Projects of the Columbia Park Rangers are often funded by the project site or the borough. The group supplies its own gloves and tools, which members purchase along with plants and mulch for some work sites. Funds are raised for the rangers through a flag project the group took over when the Columbia Jaycees folded. "We ask businesses and organizations for a small annual donation for us to put American flags in sidewalk sleeves downtown on holidays, elections, etc., through the year," Groff said.

Over the past two decades, the Columbia Park Rangers have made an impact on the town, he noted. "The Columbia Park Rangers make a visible difference in a town that's coming alive," he said. "In our early years, we addressed some areas and brought them back to life to the point that more interest in said spaces has brought about unforeseen improvements."

The group is always looking for new volunteers who can attend any work session that isn't denoted for members only. "No advance notice is needed, and you can help for an hour or three, whatever works for you," he commented. "We're a lighthearted group that enjoys gathering to work, so if you like working outside and socializing without the weight of endless meetings and membership requirements, you may fit right in."

For more information about the group, including upcoming work sessions, search for "Columbia Park Rangers" on Facebook or call Groff at 717-684-0861.