Volunteers Needed On National Public Lands Day

Saturday, Sept 29, is National Public Lands Day. On that day more than 170,000 volunteers will work to improve public lands at more than 2,100 sites around the United States - including 31 sites in Utah.

This news release gives background information about the program. Here are excerpts:

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.”

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.

Here is a full list of projects at Utah sites.

Utah projects range from trash cleanup along the Colorado River to restoring a section of trail at Dead Horse Point State Park to installing protective fences to updating information kiosks. There is something suitable for persons of every age and physical capacity.