For Immediate Release: Sept. 23, 2011
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY RECOGNIZES FLORIDA'S NATURAL RESOURCES
~Statewide events to showcase Florida’s publicly-owned
lands and parks~
A bridge at Hillsborough River State Park. Clean-up events, like National Public Lands Day, help keep Florida’s
natural lands clean.
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
invites Floridians to celebrate the 18th annual National Public Lands
Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, on any of Florida’s more than 9 million acres
of public land throughout the state.
“We are delighted to take part in National Public Lands Day, which
is a perfect opportunity for Floridians and visitors to engage in the
preservation of our beautiful state-owned lands,” said DEP Secretary Herschel
T. Vinyard Jr. “I encourage Floridians to head to their favorite state park to
enjoy the day and even participate in one of many volunteer opportunities.
Coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation,
National Public Lands Day brings together thousands of volunteers to improve
and restore the publicly-owned lands that are used for recreation, education,
exercise and relaxation. This yearly opportunity for stewardship and service provides
an opportunity for community members to volunteer to preserve America’s lands.
“It is very fulfilling to give back to the community on a day like
National Public Lands Day,” said eco-VolunteerUSA™ Program Director Christine
Small. “A sense of community and volunteerism is what we need.”
National Public Lands Day volunteers in Florida’s state parks can
contribute to the restoration of Florida’s public lands in many ways, including:
removing trash and exotic plants from park property, picking up litter by
beaches, replanting trails, and volunteering for demos, exhibits and kids
activities. In addition, the Florida Park Service will waive state park
entrance fees for all volunteers participating in National Public Lands Day.
Florida’s system of public lands includes parks, unique
landscapes, forests, wildlife refuges, historic trails, natural streams and
wetlands, nature centers, gardens and other landmark areas, which represent
irreplaceable national resources.
Cleanups taking place at state parks on Saturday, Sept. 24th:
Help improve wildlife habitat by removing the trash and nonnative
plants from park property. Join the nation's largest hands-on effort to
improve public lands. Registration required; ages 16 and up.
Join community members to help replant trails.
Family Exotic Plant Removal
Coastal clean-up
Assist land managers remove exotic plants, clean up the coastline
and plant trees.
Entertainment & Education Day - volunteers needed for demos, exhibits,
kids activities.
Sea-grape planting, seed collection, relocate small cabbage palms
Volunteer at the yearly event and help with trails, coastal and Highway
clean-up.
Restore wetlands, clear invasive vegetation and remove debris.
Beach & Bay litter pick-up
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