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Many ways to celebrate National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day annually falls on the fourth Saturday in September, which is this weekend.

It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy what’s available outdoors — and perhaps take some time to give back to those public spaces.

In honor of National Public Lands Day, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will host a volunteer beach and trail clean-up day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern time Saturday.

Volunteers will help pick up trash at the park’s beaches, overlooks and trails. The first 50 volunteers will receive a free voucher for entrance to any national park.

National Public Lands Days is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, bringing out thousands of people to restore and improve public lands around the country. This year’s National Public Lands Day builds on last year’s theme of “More Ways to Connect to Nature,” highlighting diversity in public lands, people and the ways to care for these spaces, officials said.

Trash bags, gloves, and pickers will be provided at the Pictured Rocks event. Participants should dress for the weather, bring sunscreen, bug spray, lunch and/or snacks and their own water bottles. Interested volunteers can sign up ahead of time by calling either of the park’s visitors centers. Same-day volunteers also welcome; on the day of the event, volunteers can meet at the Munising Falls Visitor Center, 1505 Sand Point Road in Munising, or Grand Sable Visitor Center, E21090 County Road H58 in Grand Marais.

If looking for something closer to home, such agencies as Dickinson Conservation District or The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition could always use volunteers or other forms of support.

In Wisconsin — home to more than 6 million acres of public lands — the Department of Natural Resources invites the public Saturday to get out and enjoy the 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and thousands of miles of fresh water. From adaptive equipment such as kayaks and beach wheelchairs, to accessible fishing piers, hiking trails and campsites, the DNR is committed to providing outdoor recreation that allows everyone of all abilities to experience the state’s natural resources.

In addition to outdoor recreation activities, the DNR offers education and volunteer opportunities to learn more and participate in hands-on conservation of Wisconsin public lands for present and future generations.

Some suggestions from the DNR to celebrate National Public Lands Day include —

— Explore Wisconsin’s state park properties using the DNR’s improved Find A Park online tool that provides state park, forest and trail location information in one place. Visit the Find A Park webpage to search accessible features and services, activities, campsite type, amenities and rental offerings at a state park, forest or trail.

— Travel to a State Park System hidden gem property from all corners of the state: Governor Thompson State Park, Hartman Creek State Park, Pattison State Park, Point Beach State Forest and Wyalusing State Park.

— Go fishing at one of the many fishing areas in the state including Bird Creek, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Plum Creek and White River Fisheries Area.

— Visit a State Natural Area in celebration of the 70th anniversary of these native landscapes, the nation’s oldest statewide system of natural areas.

— Volunteer at a State Natural Area, State Wildlife Area or state park to help protect and conserve Wisconsin’s natural resources. To find opportunities, go to the DNR’s volunteer webpage.

— Learn about local wildlife, habitats, history and conservation at any Wisconsin state park, forest, recreation or wildlife area. For more details, go to the DNR’s education and learning webpage.

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