National Public Lands Day Recognizes Florida’s Natural Resources

TALLAHASSEE – To celebrate the 17th annual National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25, 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.

“Within America’s patchwork of public lands, Florida is a national leader in land conservation,” said DEP Secretary Mimi Drew. “National Public Lands Day is the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to celebrate and maintain the beauty, cultural and historical significance of our state-owned lands and parks.”

National Public Lands Day remains the largest hands-on volunteer effort to preserve America’s lands, providing a yearly opportunity for stewardship and service. Multiple events are taking place in Florida on this day and offer chances to engage in environmentally conscious activities. State park entrance fees are waived for all volunteers participating in cleanups and volunteer events listed below.

Cleanups taking place at state parks on Saturday, September 25th:
• Little Talbot Island State Park – 9:00 a.m. until complete
Volunteers are invited to help keep Little Talbot Island State Park clean and beautiful. Registration for the cleanup will be at pavilion one. No reservations are necessary. Please let the ranger station know you are there for the clean-up. Contact (904) 251-2320 for more information.
• Fort Mose Historic State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will assist an AmeriCorps member with the removal of invasive exotic plants and plant native plant alternatives. Please bring work gloves, sunscreen, insect repellant and a reusable water bottle. Contact (904) 823-2232 for more information and to register.
• Blue Spring State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Participants will help improve wildlife habitat by removing trash. Participants should be at least 16 years of age. Registration is required. Contact (386) 775-3663 for more information and to register.
• The Barnacle Historic State Park - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed for beach cleanup. Contact (305) 442-6866 for more information and to register.
• Henderson Beach State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Henderson Beach State Park will host "Florida Coastal Clean Up," a statewide effort to remove litter. T-shirts, snacks and water will be provided at no cost to volunteers while supplies last. Please wear closed shoes, gloves, cap and sunscreen. Contact (850) 837-7550 for more information and to register.
• Crystal River Preserve State Park - 8:30 a.m. until complete
Come to the park and join other volunteers to help with a park project. Meet at the Preserve Office. Contact (352) 563-0450 for more information and to register.
• Sebastian Inlet State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Come out to the park for a beach clean-up. Volunteers will help keep our Indian River County beaches looking beautiful. Contact (321) 984-4852 for more information and to register.

International Coastal Cleanups taking place at state parks Saturday, September 25th:
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – 8:00 am to 10:00 a.m. Contact (850) 267-8330 for more information.
• T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact (850) 227-1327 for more information.
• Washington Oaks Gardens State Park - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Contact (386) 446-6780 for more information.
• Hillsborough River State Park - 8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Contact (386) 446-6780 for more information.
• Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Contact (850) 927-2111 for more information.
• Big Lagoon State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact (850) 492-1595 for more information.
• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact (561) 624-6970 for more information.
• Perdido Key State Park - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact (850) 492-1595 for more information.

International Coastal Cleanups taking place at state parks Sunday, September 26th:
• Little Talbot Island State Park - 9:00 a.m. until complete. Contact (904) 251-2320 for more information.
• Amelia Island State Park - 9:00 a.m. until complete.
Contact (904) 251-2320 for more information.

For more information:
National Public Lands Day - www.publiclandsday.org
Greenways & Trails - www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide
Florida State Parks - www.floridastateparks.org or www.twitter.com/FLStateParks
International Coastal Cleanup – www.signuptocleanup.org