On Sept. 27, 2014, thousands of volunteers at public lands sites throughout the United States are expected to participate in National Public Lands Day (NPLD) in a celebration of the work, play and learning that takes place on public lands every day. The Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in Lorton, Virginia will celebrate NPLD this year by restoring a universally accessible trail to the popular Hidden Pond; and clearing small limbs, brush, and other debris from its banks. All are invited to come out and participate in the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands.The Lower Potomac Field Station that manages Meadowood is partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to highlight their efforts to build strong muscles, conduct research and provide for people with neuromuscular diseases. The NPLD project will enhance the Hidden Pond Trail enabling physically challenged individuals to access the fishing pond and enjoy the outdoors more easily.Volunteers are asked to meet at the Hidden Pond Trailhead located at 10705 Belmont Blvd., Lorton, at 9:00 a.m. Tools, equipment and safety gear will be provided. Other NPLD activities at Meadowood will include environmental education activities for kids and guided nature hikes. Volunteers will receive a free NPLD T-shirt and one Fee Free Pass for any public land recreation site where an admission fee is charged. Participants will also be invited for lunch on site in appreciation for all their hard work. This one-day annual event will be held rain or shine.NPLD is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with eight federal land management agencies, and is sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and Northrop Grumman. An estimated 180,000 volunteers will grab shovels and gloves to improve more than 2,200 sites across the country as part of National Public Lands Day.Pre-register at: Volunteer.gov. For more information, please call Doug Blankinship, (202) 912-7715 or e-mail to dblankin@blm.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
