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Florida DEP to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday

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Saturday, Sept. 26 is National Public Lands Day and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages Floridians and guests to explore Florida’s 160 state parks, eight state managed trails and millions of acres of conservation land.

“Florida is a national leader in land conservation, and our state-owned lands and parks are unmatched in beauty, culture and historical significance,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. “National Public Lands day is a great opportunity for Floridians to become involved in volunteer efforts to protect, preserve and improve upon Florida’s valuable natural lands.”

Now in its 16th year, National Public Lands Day is the largest hands-on volunteer effort to preserve America’s lands, providing a yearly opportunity to celebrate the country’s green spaces and learn how to become better stewards of the land.

Events taking place at Florida’s state parks and trails for National Public Lands Day include:

* Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m.

DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails will host a volunteer work party on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near Ocala. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. by the Santos Trailhead and work together on an improvement project for the greenway. For details and information on how to volunteer, contact the Ocala Office of Greenways & Trails at (352) 236-7143.

* Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – noon

Volunteers are needed to cleanup McBride Slough, including removing litter from a spring run that flows into the Wakulla River. Work clothes and shoes are required. Work gloves and a water bottle are suggested. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Following lunch, participants will have the option to go on a river boat tour. Park entrance fees will be waived to participants. Registration is required; call (850) 926-0700.

* Blue Spring State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The St. John’s River Paddle Battle in celebration of National Public Lands Day will include a ten mile race and a four mile novice race. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, Inc. For more information and to register, call (386) 775-3663.

* The Barnacle Historic State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – noon

The Barnacle will host an exotic plant removal party in the tropical hardwood hammock at the park and a coastal cleanup along the shore. For more information and to register, call (305) 442-6866.

* River Rise Preserve State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. -noon

Volunteers will trim and clear trails. Participants should meet at the main entrance to River Rise Preserve off of Highway 27. Participants should bring gloves, hand tools, and insect spray. A free picnic lunch will be provided by the Friends of O’Leno. For more information, call (386) 454-2565.

* Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – noon

Join the staff at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and volunteers from around the area to maintain this unique piece of natural Florida. There will be a short presentation to emphasize what makes a plant a non-native invasive, how they affect Florida’s ecosystems, what some of the plants of concern are at Jonathan Dickinson and what we can do to help. Participants will work with park staff and can expect to pull weeds from roadsides along Park Drive for approximately one to one and a half hours. A water cooler and light snacks will be provided. Participants should bring gloves, comfortable, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen and a canteen or water bottle. Park admission is free for registered participants. For more information and to register, call (772) 546-2771.

* Little Talbot Island State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – noon

A clean-up will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Come prepared to get a little dirty as we clean up the salt marshes. Park entrance is free for participants. For more information, call (904) 251-2323.

* Bulow Creek State Park

Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 – 11 a.m.

Volunteers will participate in a morning roadside clean-up along Old Dixie Highway. This event will begin at the Fairchild Oak and breakfast and refreshments will be provided. Safety vests, gloves, garbage bags and insect repellant will be provided. Participants must be 16 or older. For more information, call (386) 676-4050.

To learn more about National Public Lands Day, visit www.publiclandsday.org http://www.publiclandsday.org> . To learn more about greenways and trails visit, http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/. To learn more about Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org http://www.floridastateparks.org> or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FLStateParks http://www.twitter.com/FLStateParks> .

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection