Thursday, August 11, 2016

Volunteers Invited to Serve on National Public Lands Day in Park Rapids




Park Rapids, MN (9/24/2016) - The University of Minnesota-Extension Master Naturalist Program, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, invites Park Rapids-area residents to participate in National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on September 24th, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, volunteers will participate in the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Since 2012, the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program has facilitated this effort at sites across the state. More than 600 volunteers have removed invasive species, planted pollinator gardens, and protected newly-planted trees, among other projects, for over 3,000 service hours to date. This year, the MN Master Naturalist Program encourages residents to join this growing tradition of stewardship through service at one of 14 locations in Minnesota.

Volunteer registration closes August 26th, 2016. To register, go to: http://www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org/courses/ to find the National Public Lands Day sites facilitated by the Minnesota Master Naturalist program. During registration, registrants will be asked for a t-shirt size and dietary needs as each volunteer will receive a free NPLD t-shirt and an on-site lunch. Youth are welcome to attend at most sites, but volunteers will be responsible for supervision.  Please let the program know if you are planning to bring youth..

Volunteers at Itasca State Park will place paper “bud caps” on white, red, and jack pines. All supplies will be provided at the park. They are advised to wear long pants, long shirt sleeves, sturdy footwear, and to bring personal snacks, water bottle, and gloves.

Itasca State Park is located at 36750 Main Park Drive Park Rapids, MN 56470.