Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Celebrates National Public Lands Day

ANNAPOLIS, MD — On Saturday, September 29, volunteers from across the nation will help improve trails, plant trees and native vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, remove trash and invasive plants, and participate in other important projects needed to maintain public lands as part of National Public Lands Day.

“Maryland’s public lands represent some of our State’s most special places and wildlife habitat,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “National Public Lands Day offers Marylanders a day to enjoy our natural resources by helping to protect and improve these special places.”

“This is a great opportunity for Marylanders to spend one day giving back to the land that we often take for granted.” said Maryland State Parks Superintendent Rusty Ruszin.

Volunteers in Maryland are encouraged to join Maryland’s trail crews at Patapsco Valley State Park and New Germany State Park to support this effort. For a full listing of National Public Lands Day events, visit www.publiclandsday.org/.

National Public Lands Day Volunteer Trail Work Day at Patapsco
Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patapsco Valley State Park, 5120 South Street in Halethorpe (Baltimore County)
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by helping to improve the trail. Volunteers will work side-by-side with members of the park's trail crew. To participate, volunteers need to be at least 16 years old and should bring gloves, sturdy footwear, hat, water, safety glasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and any emergency medications, etc. Trail work will not be done if it rains. Contact: 410-465-3287

National Public Lands Day Trail Shape-Up at New Germany State Park
Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
New Germany State Park, 474 McAndrews Hill Rd. in Grantsville (Garrett County)
Help remove debris that has fallen over the summer months, and cut back overhanging branches to prepare the trails for the ski season! Contact: 301-689-3126

National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. National Public Lands Day helps keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.