By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

Attention, future Katniss Everdeens: The town of Lysander’s parks and recreation department has received a grant for archery equipment and training.

Sponsored by the New York State Recreation and Parks Society and USA Archery, the $5,000 “Explore Archery” grant is part of $25,000 in funding made available by the Easton Foundations, which support archery programs across the country.

The grant will provide the town with 10 bows and 10 sets of arrows along with training for two instructors.

“Archery is a great sport for participants of all ages and abilities,” said Mary Emmons, director of program development for USA Archery. “Archery teaches focus, goal-setting, determination and helps participants to build self-confidence and has many additional health benefits. It is our hope that by partnering with NYSRPS, target archery will become more accessible to New York state residents at the community level, and provide an alternative sport option for those seeking to be more active.”

In addition to instructor training and the 10 sets of bows and arrows, the grant will provide an 80 cm target, armguards, maintenance and repair kit, bow stringer and other equipment. The kit also includes the Explore Archery book, awards pack and posters that explain range rules and the steps of shooting.

Volunteers sought for Earth Day, Arbor Day

As April winds down, the parks department is looking for volunteers for Earth Day and Arbor Day events at Lysander Park.

This year’s Earth Day project is spreading mulch around the playground equipment. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Pizza and water will be provided.

The following Friday, volunteers are invited to the Arbor Day tree planting. The tree planting will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 26.

For both events, volunteers should bring work gloves, rakes and shovels and should dress appropriately for the weather.

Lysander Park is located at 8439 Smokey Hollow Road.

The Lysander parks and recreation department is located at Lysander Town Hall, 8220 Loop Road, Baldwinsville. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about current and upcoming programs, call 635-5999 or email [email protected]. Visit the parks department online at townoflysander.org/departments/parks-and-recreation or facebook.com/lysanderparksandrec.