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Contact: David Elkowitz, 432-477-1108
Mark your calendars! Saturday, September 28, 2013, is National Public Lands Day! What could that mean for you? Free entrance into Big Bend National Park, a chance to join with others to support public lands, and a fun-filled weekend! One of every three acres of land in the United States—nearly 600 million acres—belongs to you! These lands are the country's special, one-of-a-kind natural resources. These are the national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, coastal preserves, forests, grasslands, marine sanctuaries, lakes, and reservoirs that all of us use to hike, bike, climb, swim, explore, picnic or just simply relax. National Public Lands Day is born out of a commitment to protect and preserve these natural treasures. It is an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate the majesty of our open spaces and contribute a direct effort in the work of conserving our public lands. This year marks the 20th year of this event. More than 175,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,200 sites in communities and parks around the nation. In celebration, the National Park Service has designated September 28, 2013, as a fee-free day, allowing all visitors to Big Bend National Park, or any national park, to enter for free. Big Bend National Park will host three special volunteer projects in the Chisos Basin area on September 28. At the Chisos Basin Amphitheater, an asphalt path that is in bad shape will be removed, in preparation for replacement. Also sanding, priming, and painting the amphitheater benches is on the agenda. In the Chisos Basin campground, work will focus on eliminating social trails. The project is free and open to the public. Meet at 8:30 am at the patio in front of the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, boots, and bring water, a sack lunch, and snacks. For more information, call Jane Brown at 432-477-1106 or email. Friends of Big Bend National Park will be hosting fun activities in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, such as their annual root beer float party on Friday evening and breakfast on Saturday morning. If you would like to register for events with the Friends, please go to their website at www.bigbendfriends.org These events are sponsored by Saint Arnold Root Beer and TransPecos Bank. National Public Lands Day events and celebrations nation-wide are coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation in partnership with eight federal land management agencies. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and Northrop Grumman sponsor National Public Lands Day. For other information and events, check out their website at http://www.publiclandsday.org/ |
Last updated: February 24, 2015