Friday, September 25, 2009

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day: From GovGab

I've worked in the federal government for over 18 years. When I first started my federal career, I never expected that I would stay in the government this long. I'm not a politician. I'm not involved in making laws, important decisions, or defending/protecting American citizens, but I take my commitment to serving both my country and the American people seriously. It makes me feel good to know that, in my own small way, I am making a contribution towards a better America.



Giant redwood trees in a national parkOn September 26th, National Public Lands Day, everyone has a hands-on volunteer opportunity to participate in the caring and stewardship of America's public lands. It is a way for all citizens to lend a helping hand to our country in maintaining America's natural heritage, so that we will have something wonderful to pass on to future generations.



In 1994, 700 volunteers participated in the first National Public Lands Day. Those numbers, last year, rose to over 120,000 volunteers working together in every state in over 1,800 locations to build trails and bridges, remove trash and invasive plants, and plant over 1.6 million trees.



To find volunteer opportunities on public lands in your area, visit Volunteer.gov and type the keywords “National Public Lands Day.” You can also visit USA.gov. Type “National Public Lands Day” and your state name in the search box to see what is going on in your state. If you want to see the volunteers in action, check out photos of the volunteer efforts from previous years . Or, if you have a way with a camera, you can enter the photo contest for this year.



You can read about the volunteer activities of groups and individuals from the 2009 Take Pride in America National Award Winners. If you like the idea of giving back, but you aren't available to participate in National Public Lands Day, you can go to Volunteer.gov to search for other volunteer activities that you can participate in.



I just signed up to help out at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. If you are in the area, come join me! I promise, the feeling of pride you will get from giving back to your country will make you glad you did.

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