National Public Lands Day -September 25

Date: September 21, 2010

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY AT PIPESTONE NATIONAL MONUMENT

  Please help us make America's Best Idea even better. Join us for a national day of service and celebration in your 392 national parks. As part of National Public Lands Day on September 25^th, Pipestone National Monument is hosting its 9th annual volunteer work day from 9am to noon.

   This year's volunteer 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 donated to the Monument by the Trust for Public Land. To see the results of previous seed collections the public is invited to view the prairie's flowering fall colors on the 15 acres just south of the Minnesota West Community & Technical College. 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. We 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 25th for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will also 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 9am at the Monument Visitor Center with staff providing instructions and assistance in collecting seed. Volunteers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and to wear sturdy shoes for walking in the prairie. 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 25^th, the collection of seeds will be postponed until October 2nd.

  Please contact a Park Ranger at 507-825-5464 ext. 214 for additional information