National parks and forests as well as local parks across the country celebrated National Public Lands Day this past Saturday. The day sparked a number of volunteer efforts as well free entry to federal lands.
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Now in its 17th year, more than 170,000 volunteers, including families, students and organizations around the country were expected to grab shovels, rakes, pruning shears and trash bags on Sept. 25.
The volunteer efforts will equal $15 million in improvements, according to organizers. In 2009, more than 150,000 participants pitched into care for parks at 2,000 events across the country.
Events were held at city and county parks, neighborhood green spaces, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and coastal areas.
Eight federal agencies are partners. Secretary of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will attend an event at Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana while U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley will be on hand at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of other federal officials will host events and volunteer at other sites.
“We’re grateful to the thousands of volunteers, the agencies and our corporate partners for their commitment to improving our public lands,” said Diane Wood, president of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “They are part of an effort that will make a positive difference for our public lands and, hopefully, spark a lasting interest in outdoor recreation for our volunteers and their families.”
