The last weekend in September is a great time to visit an Indiana state park or reservoir, with National Public Lands Day activities on Saturday, Sept. 27, and free admission on Sunday, Sept. 28.
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.
Volunteer opportunities at Indiana state park and reservoir properties on Sept. 27 include collecting wild prairie seeds for resowing on DNR properties, construction projects, gardening and trail cleanup.
But National Public Lands Day isn’t all work and no play. Properties will also be offering hikes, pioneer activities, crafts and live bird shows. National Public Lands Day activities for Indiana state parks and reservoirs are posted at StateParks.IN.gov/2443.htm.
National Public Lands Day is also a great time to support your local Indiana state park or reservoir by joining its friends group. Friends groups support DNR properties by helping with events, working on trails, and fundraising for projects, equipment, supplies and materials.
Many friends groups will hold events or membership drives on Sept. 27.
“National Public Lands Day is a great day to get out and see what many of these groups are doing,” said Jody Heaston, volunteer coordinator for Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs. “The groups are always looking for new members.”
Links to each State Parks & Reservoirs friends group are at StateParks.IN.gov/2442.htm.
Volunteer opportunities and fun activities will continue at many properties on Sept. 28, when admission to state parks and reservoirs is free.
National Public Lands Day is one of four times when Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs focus on volunteer and giving opportunities. Volunteers are welcome all the time, but the other days in which service and giving are emphasized are Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), Martin Luther King National Day of Service (Jan. 19, 2015) and National Volunteer Week (April 12-18, 2015).
In 2013, volunteers contributed nearly 90,000 hours of service across the state.
For property-specific information on volunteer opportunities, fall programs and special event weekends, see InterpretiveServices.IN.gov or call the specific property you plan to visit.
For more information on National Public Lands Day or to find a National Public Lands Day event near you, visit PublicLandsDay.org.
