Volunteer On Public Lands Day!

Saturday, September 24 is National Public Lands Day. People all across the country will turn out on this day to take part in volunteer projects to benefit America's shared heritage, its public lands.

Entrance fees for all National Park Service areas, and other federal recreation sites will be waived on September 24. The fee-free waiver applies only to park entrance fees and does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors-such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions. Participating volunteers will receive a coupon good for a future fee-free day at national parks and other federal agency sites.

Volunteer projects at Joshua Tree include native plant restoration, wayside exhibit maintenance, and trash pick-up. If you would like to volunteer at Joshua Tree that day, contact Anne Staley at 760-367-5528 by 4 pm on Friday, September 23 to sign up for a volunteer project.

Volunteers will meet Saturday at 8 am at the Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and work gloves. Work projects are expected to last until Noon.

For further information about Public Lands Day activities at Joshua Tree National Park, contact Acting Volunteer Coordinator Anne Staley at 760-367-5528. For general park information call 760-367-5500, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jotr.