DCNR Secretary Invites National Public Lands Day Participation

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Volunteers will have the opportunity to improve state parks by taking part in National Public Lands Day events across Pennsylvania on Sept. 25, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley said today.

"Last year, National Public Lands Day brought together more than 150,000 volunteers across the nation to refurbish and restore public places," Quigley said. "The number of our state parks participating will double this year as more volunteers, a vital cornerstone in our park system, don work gloves and boots and tackle an array of important projects."

Marking its 16th year and billed as the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands Americans enjoy, National Public Lands Day is offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation to encourage and salute public contributions in parks, forests and open lands across the nation.

"Whether it's a planned litter pickup at Erie County's Erie Bluffs State Park, or tree plantings at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County, National Public Lands Day gives each of us a chance to contribute to the betterment of our public lands for this and future generations of Americans," said Quigley. "This Saturday, local volunteers will have a unique chance to give something back to their country, their community, and the state parks that serve them. I encourage everyone to consider lending a helping hand."

In 2009, 12 Pennsylvania state parks, three environmental education centers, and one conservation area hosted National Public Lands Day events. This year, 23 state parks and two environmental education centers will host volunteer groups in the national effort to improve and preserve habitat on public lands. Project details, registration and other information can be found on-line at www.publiclandsday.org.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will oversee National Public Lands Day volunteer workdays at the following sites:

Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County; Big Pocono State Park, Monroe County; Black Moshannon State Park, Centre County; Canoe Creek State Park, Blair County; Colonel Denning State Park, Cumberland County; Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County; Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County; Erie Bluffs State Park, Erie County; Frances Slocum State Park, Luzerne County; Jennings Environmental Education Center, Butler County; Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, Cumberland County; Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County; Little Buffalo State Park, Perry County; Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County; Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County; Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County; Presque Isle State Park, Erie County; Prince Gallitzin State Park, Beaver County; Promised Land State Park, Pike County; Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County; Raccoon Creek State Park, Beaver County; Ralph Stover State Park, Bucks County; Ryerson Station, Greene County; and Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron County.  

In addition, French Creek State Park is participating in a National Park Service event at nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Berks County.

Meanwhile, the Outdoor Channel cable network has partnered with National Public Lands Day to highlight eight different events nationwide—including those at Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, Cumberland County. Together with Comcast PA, the program has helped promote the day, recruit volunteers, and secure prizes for the Kings Gap opportunity. The volunteer registration period for Kings Gap has now closed.

To participate at one of the other opportunities in a state park, contact that park's offices before Saturday, Sept. 25, to pre-register and inquire about possible inclement weather, starting times, meetings places and other details.

Pennsylvania volunteers will join a workforce across the country that is committed to carrying on the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that exemplified land stewardship from 1933-1942 by preserving and protecting America's natural heritage.

The National Environmental Education Foundation, which has managed and coordinated the annual all-day effort from its start in 1994, estimates that the volunteers' work, along with community contributions of food, tools and equipment, will result in improvements valued at more than $8 million.

National Public Lands Day is a public-private partnership involving DCNR and many other state, federal, and local land and conservation agencies. The National Environmental Education Foundation manages, coordinates and generates financial support for the program.

For information about volunteering in Pennsylvania's state parks and forestlands throughout the year, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cons/.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources