Lend a hand for National Public Lands Day

Carol EvansAnderson, Our Town Outdoors

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. NPLD is also a “fee free day” where entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. NPLD is sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF).

NPLD at Norris Dam State Park starting at 8 a.m. Event is free. Help Rangers build new backcountry sites to the Lakeside Loop and Lake View Trails. Bring water and lunch. Be prepared to hike multiple miles and work. For more info or to register go here or call 865-426-7461

NPLD Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park starting at 8 a.m. The event is free. Join the staff for a morning of weeding the Wild Yards Garden. Bring gloves and tools if you have them. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848..

NPLD Hike at Frozen Head State Park starting at 9 a.m. The event is free. Join Ranger Ross for a workday on Judge Branch and the Interpretive Loop. Bring lunch and water. For more info or to register go here or call 423-346-3318.

Go to OutdoorKnoxville.com to find other activities.

Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *