Platte County prosecutors got out of the courtroom and into nature on October 6, spending the afternoon planting trees and groundcover in the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary in Parkville.

The afternoon of service was part of the office's WE CARE program, where prosecutors and staff work together one Friday afternoon each quarter to benefit a Platte County nonprofit or governmental agency.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "I firmly believe that helping our community helps us become better prosecutors. Prosecutors who know their county well are better advocates in court for victims of crime from that same county."

Prosecutors and staff spent a blustery fall afternoon helping improve Sullivan Nature Sanctuary by planting dozens of trees and groundcover to beautify the park and reduce erosion. The WE CARE group from the prosecutor's office has previously volunteered at Synergy Services, Hillcrest Platte County, and The Farmer's House.

The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is located in Downtown Parkville just down the street from the well-known Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The land was donated by members of the Sullivan family and was dedicated in memory of Edgar and Ruth Sullivan, as well as other family members. The Sanctuary has multiple trails, a scenic overlook, and acres of natural space. It is managed by the Parkville Parks and Recreation Department.

Brittanie Propes, Director of the Parkville Parks and Recreation Department, said, "The City is grateful to have volunteer groups like the Platte County prosecutors who give back the community and support our efforts to decrease invasive species, increase plant biodiversity, and bring awareness to local gems like Sullivan Nature Sanctuary."

To learn more about the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary, visit www.platteparks.com/park/sullivan-nature-sanctuary.