With National Public Lands Day just around the corner, local groups and dedicated volunteers are gearing up for a day of service. Mark your calendars Sept. 29 with some of these local events in honor of the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands we love.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area
9 a.m. to noon
This Crossville, Tenn., natural area will host a trail maintenance event in which volunteers will maintain trails, remove invasive plants and pick up trash. Equipment will be provided. Participants should bring food and water and wear sturdy shoes. For more information or directions, contact Monica Johnson at monica.johnson@tn.gov or 931-484-6138.
Amicalola Falls State ParkFlint River
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers will canoe/kayak the Flint River at Owens Cross Roads, Ala., to gather trash, tires, appliances and car parts. "Landlubbers" are also welcome to come to the event and can clean up at bridge crossings along the river. Participants will receive free food following the trip and a free 1/2-year membership to the Flint River Conservation Association. Volunteers may rent canoes for $25 per canoe. For more information or to register, contact Soos Weber at weber-caudill@att.net or 256-509-1219.
Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unique among others in the National Park Service system, the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District is known for spanning 12,000 years of continuous human habitation.
Volunteers will help preserve this historic location by maintaining trails, removing invasive plants and restoring the landscape. To register, contact Will Sunderland at william_sunderland@nps.gov or 423-752-5213, ext. 137.
Amicalola Falls State Park
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascade in the Southeast - making it a popular destination for visitors. Friends of Amicalola Falls State Park, located in Dawsonville, Ga., will host a clean-up event in which volunteers will help reverse the effects of heavy foot traffic by picking up trash, maintaining the gardens and cleaning the visitor's center. For more information, contact Kathy Brigman at khbfriends@gmail.com or 706-265-1969, or visit friendsofamicalolafalls.org.
For more information on National Public Lands Day or to find events near you visit www.publiclandsday.org.