2007 National Public Lands Day

Date: September 21, 2007
Contact: Jim LaRock, 507-825-5464

As part of National Public Lands Day on September 29^th, Pipestone National Monument is hosting its 6th annual volunteer work day.  This year’s volunteer project, like last years project, will focus on the collection of seeds from the Monument’s native tall grass prairie.  Seeds collected will be used in restoring the tall grass prairie on the 15 acres of land that was recently donated to the Monument by the Trust for Public Land.  These acres currently consist of cultivated farm land and mowed lawn.  Efforts are already underway by Monument staff to begin restoration of the native tall grass prairie on these acres. Collecting additional seed on Public Lands Day will be invaluable in continuing the process.

While providing valuable time and assistance to the Monument, this event also gives people a chance to give back to an area they use and get the satisfaction that comes from preserving and protecting their public places.

“America’s public lands showcase the country’s spectacular beauty and fascinating history,” said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar.  “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this fee free day to explore a national park or lend a hand to help the land.”  All National Park Service sites, including Pipestone National Monument will offer free entrance on September 29 for National Public Lands Day. 

Volunteers will receive a National Public Lands Day pass, good for free entry during the next year at public land sites managed by the: Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service.

Activities will begin at 10am at the Monument visitor center with staff providing instructions and assistance in collecting seed.  Volunteers are advised to dress appropriately for the ever changing fall weather and to wear sturdy shoes for walking in the prairie. Project time will be over by approximately noon. The Friends of Pipestone National Monument will be providing a light hot lunch and other refreshments for volunteers at the Monument visitor center.

In the event of rain on the 29^th, the collection of seeds will be postponed until October 13, so please plan on joining in on that date.

As an added bonus for the day, Roger Schroeder of Marshall, Minnesota will be leading bird watching walks on the Monument’s Circle Trail from 8 am to 10am.  For those interested, please bring your binoculars and meet with Mr. Schroeder at the Monument visitor center by 8 am, and spend some enjoyable hours locating and identifying the birds of the Monument.