Research shows that one effective step toward preventing childhood obesity, diabetes and depression is to get children and their families outside more. The National Environmental Education Foundation is helping Americans in that endeavor through the National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 29.
It’s a day when adult and children volunteers are encouraged to get outside and help maintain our public lands. Numerous organizations are scheduling unique activities such as bird-house building, trail maintenance and more. For example, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona and California has a clean-up planned. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America also an itinerary of activities.
Many federal public lands, including national parks, will have free admission on that day. Visit www.publiclandsday.org for more information on volunteer events in your city and state.
Volunteers in every state will visit parks, public and community gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and chip in to help these treasured places that belong to all Americans. They will improve and restore the lands and facilities the public uses for recreation, education, exercise and connecting with nature.
“With one-third of America’s land in public hands, NPLD provides an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help sustain these lands,” said Robb Hampton, director of the public lands program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), which coordinates NPLD. “Volunteers can also spend time after their tasks to enjoy the lands, whether at a local green space or national park. Many sites offer nature hikes, bike rides, picnics or other outdoor activities.”
JL Armstrong, NEEF board member and national manager, corporate affairs at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., said, “NPLD involves thousands of volunteers making a difference in cities and towns across the nation while participating in outdoor activities. We encourage everyone, particularly families and service groups, to join their neighbors on NPLD to make their communities the best they can be.”
Park Ranger Brent Sewell moves a heavy trash bag up an embankment from volunteers down below. A dozen volunteers participated in National Public Lands Day Sept. 25, 2010 and picked up trash and debris along the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail
With a long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the event’s national sponsor for the 14th consecutive year. Northrop Grumman has joined as a contributing sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. September 29th marks the event’s 19th year.
The event last year contributed an estimated $17 million in volunteer services to public lands, which include planting about 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants, as well as building and maintaining approximately 1,500 miles of trails.
Volunteers have unique opportunities to choose from, including:
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta – As part of Georgia’s “Your State Parks Day,” volunteers will restore historic houses, clear debris and help mulch. Atlanta’s nonprofit Greening Youth Foundation will also hold a youth campout barbecue the evening before NPLD.
Globe Building Discovery Center, Detroit – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting the groundbreaking of the Globe Building, a 50,000 sq. ft. indoor exploration center for outdoor recreation along the Detroit Riverfront. The groundbreaking is part of Michigan Trails Week with statewide volunteer opportunities.
Elgin Community Gardens, Elgin, Il. – 21 community gardens throughout the city will be participating in NPLD. The gardens will harvest food and donate it to crisis centers, soup kettles, homeless shelters and food pantries.
The Emerson Brook Forest Center, Gilsum, N.H. – The Sustainability Project, a local nonprofit, is inviting volunteers to create wheelchair-accessible gardens and trails surrounding a vernal pool. Keene State College Ecology Club and student organizations are expected to participate.
Deschutes National Forest, Whychus Creek, near Sisters, Or. – The U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and REI Bend store will host a variety of family-friendly conservation projects along the Creek. Half-day projects include planting, scattering native seeds and more. All volunteer projects finish by 2 p.m., leaving time to explore, fish and enjoy other activities.
Events in every state, the District of Columbia and many U.S. territories can be found online now, searchable by state or zip code. Eight federal agencies will participate—along with more than 250 state, county and city partners, and a host of nonprofit organizations around the nation.
NPLD is also a designated fee-free entrance day at many federal public lands including national parks. More information can be found at publiclandsday.org.