FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2014
VOLUNTEERS PITCH IN FOR NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
~Volunteers donated more than 7,000 hours to state parks and trails on Sept. 27~
 Volunteers
work on lake restoration at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey.
TALLAHASSEE – On Sept. 27, volunteers across the state
gathered at Florida’s state parks to celebrate National Public Lands Day.
Overall, 2,149 volunteers contributed more than 7,067 hours of service at 96 events
held at 77 of Florida’s state parks, beating last year's record.
The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks joined with the Friends of
Florida State Parks, the National Environmental Education Foundation and many
other citizen-support organizations across the state to host these volunteer opportunities at
Florida’s state parks.
“I appreciate all the hard work of the
volunteers on National Public Lands Day,” said Donald Forgione, director of the
Florida Park Service. “Volunteers are amazing. They give their time, talent and
energy to tend to our natural treasures. Our parks are better for their
service.”
From Pensacola to south Florida, volunteers
collected trash, cleared invasive plants, conducted trail maintenance,
landscaped grounds and enjoyed their efforts caring for Florida’s state parks
and trails. Volunteers learned about natural resources and the
restoration of the environment, while working side-by-side with their
neighbors. Some parks also offered recreational lessons, informational
speakers, kids’ activities and live music.
Last year, Florida’s state parks held more than
70 National Public Lands Day events with more than 1,550 volunteers
contributing 6,740 hours of service.
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