SOUTHERN UTAH – Touted as the single-largest volunteer effort involving public lands, National Public Lands Day celebrates its 20th anniversary this Saturday. More than 2,200 locations across the country will be taking part in the event, with over 180,000 volunteers expected to participate this year.
In 2012 an estimated 175,000 Americans participated at more than 2,200 sites in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
Snow Canyon State Park
“National Public Lands Day is an event that brings together thousands of volunteers from coast to coast to improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, exercise, and just plain enjoyment,” The Friends of Snow Canyon State Park said in a press release.
Locals can show their love for one of Southern Utah’s natural wonders by joining The Friends at Snow Canyon State Park who will be coordinating volunteer efforts Saturday.
Volunteers in Snow Canyon will:
- Conduct trail work along the Lava Flow trail inside the park
- Pick up trash
- Straighten trail borders
- Replace trail markers
- Clean up the lava tubes by removing garbage and graffiti
Details
- When: The clean up will take place from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.
- Where: Volunteers will be meeting at the Lava Flow parking lot in Snow Canyon State Park.
- Contact: Kai Reed at telephone 435-674-5376 or email [email protected]
Advisory
Space is limited for volunteers. Participants should be prepared to hike up to 2 miles roundtrip over uneven surfaces. The cleanup of the lava tubes will require scrambling and steep down climbing, working in confined spaces, and working under low-light conditions.
All volunteers should provide their own work gloves, headlamp or flashlight (if entering the lava tubes), wear sturdy shoes or boots, and dress appropriately for the weather. Volunteers receive free entrance to Snow Canyon State Park for the day.
The Friends of Snow Snow Canyon State Park is a nonprofit group organized to provide financial and volunteer resources to support the park.
Red Cliffs Recreation Area
Snow Canyon State Park won’t be the only site for volunteers to go. MeetUp.com has called for volunteers to come together to help clean up a part of the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.
A few hundred boy scouts are also expected to be taking part in the cleanup at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.
Volunteers at Red Cliffs Recreation Area will:
Perform general maintenance, scrub graffiti off sandstone, et cetera.
Details
- When: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 28
- Where: Red Cliffs Recreation Area – Leeds Exit off of I-15, White Reef Trailhead. Parking will be at the White Reef Trailhead. When you go through the tunnel, you’ll want to take a right to the horse parking area rather than driving up to the campground.
- Contact: The event’s MeetUp.com page
Advisory
Bring gloves, sunscreen, and a hat. Also try to bring a reusable water bottle as organizers will have water in bulk but a limited number of bottles. Drinks and snacks will also be provided on site.
Also as a part of National Public Lands Day, all national parks will waive entrance fees for the day
The National Environmental Education Foundation coordinates National Public Lands Day.
More information can be found at www.publiclandsday.org.
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Twitter: @MoriKessler
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