The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation’s

National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 23, 2000

In a September 15 press release, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation announced growing support for its National Public Lands Day (NPLD) which will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2000. This is America's volunteer work day for outdoor public spaces. The 7th Annual NPLD, the largest hands-on volunteer event to restore and enhance public lands nationwide, is shattering all participation and growth projections. The event has grown to include 270 sites in all 50 states, nine federal partners, dozens of state and local organizations, and a national sponsor, Toyota. Governors in 20 states have proclaimed September 23 as Public Lands Day.

Toyota employees and their families in Los Angeles will restore habitat around a pond, abate graffiti and remove invasive non-native vegetation. Other NPLD activities in and around Los Angeles include tours of the Sepulveda Basin Reclamation Plant and natural habitat and a tree planting ceremony, events planned by the Los Angeles Depts. of Water and Power, Public Works, Recreation and Parks, and the Bureau of Sanitation. NPLD volunteers will also work at Griffith Park, Mount Hollywood, Santa Monica, Laguna and Seal Beaches.

Speaking of the record-breaking numbers of recreational visitors each year, NEETF President Kevin Coyle said, ``With so much stress on our public spaces, it makes sense that a strong corps of American volunteers is 'giving something back' to these irreplaceable natural resources.'' He adds, ``people see National Public Lands Day as a prime opportunity to roll up their sleeves and do something tangible for our precious public land areas.''

NPLD highlights the important private/public responsibility of shared land stewardship. It also features educational programs that heighten public understanding of how to protect and enhance America's public lands.

Generous promotional and volunteer support from national organizations such as The Garden Club of America, The Boy and Girl Scouts of America and 4H Clubs has resulted in increased numbers of volunteers.

To identify NPLD sites and determine their locations, visit www.npld.com. Each site is identified by the agency that manages it.

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