National Public Lands Day Is Saturday

More than 180,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,000 sites across the country on Saturday, September 24, to take part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

Volunteers in every state will visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places that belong to all Americans. They will improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, exercise and just plain enjoyment.

As part of this annual celebration of public lands, NPLD is supporting the first lady's Let’s Move Outside initiative as it engages families and youth to get outdoors and be active through hands-on fun activities. Research shows that being active outdoors is one step to reducing childhood obesity, diabetes and other health conditions, as well as reducing blood pressure and stress in adults.

West Duwamish Greenbelt

14th Ave. SW and SW Holly St., Seattle

Work Projects

Pull invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, English ivy and Scotch broom. Mulch previously-planted areas

Lake Fenwick Park

25828 Lake Fenwick Road Kent

Work Projects

Remove invasive English ivy and Himalayan blackberry from the north trail through to the middle entrance. Parking is available at the middle entrance.

Tiger Mountain Summit

Highway 18

Work Projects

Construct trails, including digging, clearing debris, and benching in a trail with hand tools. Bring work gloves and wear boots and long pants. A BBQ lunch follows the work party. Directions to trailhead: From Seattle take I-90 east to Hwy 18. Continue south on Hwy 18 for 4.4 miles, until you reach Tiger Summit on your right.

Information on these or other projects in the state of Washington are available at http://www.publiclandsday.org/