If the weather cooperates, volunteers will don work gloves and boots and wield shovels and rakes this Saturday at state parks across Pennsylvania in observance ofNational Public Lands DaySeptember 27.

"The dedication of volunteers continues to be the backbone of our state park and forest systems," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis, "but National Public Lands Day is a very special event, bringing together thousands of volunteers to refurbish and restore public places across the state and country."

Marking its 15th year, National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. In 2007, nearly 90,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, planted trees and plants, and removed trash and invasive plants.

"On this special day, we all have a chance to contribute to the betterment of our public lands for this and future generations," said Secretary DiBerardinis. "Whether someone is installing bluebird boxes, removing invasive plants or repairing and maintaining hiking trails, each local volunteer has a unique chance to give something back to his or her country, their community, and the state lands that serve them. I encourage everyone to consider lending a helping hand this Saturday."

Details of work plans, meeting times and places and other information can be found at theNational Public Lands Day website.

The following parks and environmental education centers have scheduled a volunteer workday in conjunction with National Public Lands Day: Black Moshannon, Colonel Denning, Elk, Jennings Environmental Education Center, Keystone, Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, Laurel Hill, Locust Lake, Nescopeck, Nockamixon, Nolde Environmental Education Center, Ohiopyle, Promised Land and Pymatuning.

Officials at participating parks urge would-be volunteers to stay abreast of current local weather conditions that could force cancellations. Volunteers are asked to call and register with the park of their choice before participating in work outings.

National Public Lands Dayis a public-private partnership involving DCNR, the Civilian Conservation Corps and many other state, federal and local land and conservation agencies. All work closely with businesses and non-profit organizations.

9/26/2008