Iowa Parks Welcome Volunteers on Public Lands Day

DES MOINES - Every year, Iowa state parks treat visitors to beautiful scenery and cherished outdoors recreation. This month, Iowans can give back to their beloved parks during a national day of volunteer action.

This Saturday, Sept. 30, volunteers across the country will help to beautify and preserve state and federal lands during the 13th Annual National Public Lands Day. The Iowa DNR's Keepers of the Land volunteer program invites Iowans to take part by volunteering at an Iowa state park.

Interested parties should contact their favorite Iowa state park and ask about potential volunteer activities. Current projects in many Iowa state parks would benefit from additional volunteers.

Possible activities include building or clearing trail, removing invasive species, picking up litter, helping with maintenance and construction and many other fun and rewarding tasks. Visit www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/ for a list of Iowa state parks and contact information.

National Public Lands Day occurs annually, bringing thousands of volunteers to the nation's public lands. Last year, 90,000 Americans volunteered across the country. Iowans who choose to participate will help to improve and protect the beauty and health of their state's public lands. Visit www.publiclandsday.org for more information about the national event.

Partner organizations with the Keepers of the Land also have many other volunteer opportunities planned for the coming month. Visit www.keepersoftheland.org for more information, including an on-line events calendar. Other upcoming activities include:

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or at Merry.Rankin@dnr.state.ia.us.