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Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-465-6523
Glen Jean, WV –Friends of New River Gorge National River (Friends) will join the National Public Lands Day (NPLD) movement on Saturday, September 24, 2016 to host their first volunteer event in the park. In its 23rd year, NPLD is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in America, offering community members and visitors the opportunity to play a valuable role in caring for some of our most treasured places. To celebrate NPLD, Friends are asking volunteers to give back to their local national park by removing the steps on New River Gorge National River's (NR) Tunnel trail that were impacted by arson in April. To volunteer, come to the Grandview area of New River Gorge NR anytime between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, September 24, and check in at the visitor center. Volunteers and National Park Service (NPS) staff will work together to demolish and remove the burned steps and carry them off the trail, with the assistance of a rope line. No special skills are necessary and volunteers should wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Water and snacks will be provided by Friends, in addition to lunch donated by Steak Escape in Beckley. The first 20 volunteers will also receive a special pass granting them free admission to one federal land site within the next year. Friends President, Anna Zeigler says, "It's important for us to come together as a community and support our local national parks, especially when they are damaged by vandalism, like graffiti and arson. National Public Lands Day is a time for all of us to celebrate these special places by working together to help maintain them." Friends of New River Gorge National River, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit, charitable organization that provides valuable support to all three national parks of southern West Virginia. Memberships are accepted at two levels. Level one members receive a members-only newsletter and sticker. Level two members receive a members-only newsletter, sticker, discounts at local businesses, and access to members-only events and programs. To learn more about Friends, or to become a member, visit www.friendsofnrgnr.org. Additional information on New River Gorge NR can be found by visiting www.nps.gov/neri. For information on NPLD events across the county, visit www.neefusa.org/public-lands-d About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. Follow us on NewRiverGorgeNPS on Facebook Twitter flickr YouTube Instag ------------------------------ EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA(tm)The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
Last updated: September 14, 2016