Dworshak rangers invite public to volunteer on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24

AHSAHKA, Idaho – On Saturday, Sept. 24, more than 180,000 volunteers, including volunteers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir will visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places. They’ll be taking part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in our country.

This year marks the 18^th annual National Public Lands Day, an event that brings together thousands of volunteers from coast to coast to improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, exercise and just plain enjoyment. Last year more than 170,000 Americans participated at more than 2,000 sites in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Dworshak volunteers and rangers will conduct general trail maintenance to restore several project trails, including the popular Cold Springs trail along the south shore of the reservoir. The activity takes place from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. Volunteers should meet at the Big Eddy Marina parking lot for orientation at 9 a.m. For more information or to sign up to participate, call Park Ranger Connie Grant-Howell at 208-476-1279.

Getting there: drive 5 miles west of Orofino, Idaho, on Highway 7; turn right onto Viewpoint Road and follow the signs for about 4 miles until the road ends at Big Eddy Marina. 

Volunteers should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain, dress appropriately for weather and working conditions (long pants, hat for shade) and bring personal work gloves, snacks and drinking water in a portable container – some project locations do not have potable water services in the immediate vicinity.

Eight federal agencies will participate along with more than 250 state, county, and city partners and a host of nonprofit groups, including the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Student Conservation Association and The Corps Network. The National Environmental Education Foundation coordinates National Public Lands Day.