National Public Lands Day 2000 at Fort Ord

It's Earth Day for Public lands, and a great opportunity for folks looking for a way to have a good time while celebrating the outdoors.

On Saturday, September 23^rd, the Bureau of Land Management at Fort Ord will take part in the 7^th annual National Public Lands Day.  The nationwide event is a day when families and groups of all ages volunteer to "give something back" to America's millions of acres of public lands.

Volunteers will spend the morning in the great outdoors on Fort Ord Public Lands, helping out on BLM work projects.   The choices are to spruce-up Trail 47;  collect native plant seeds for restoration;  remove invasive weeds such as pampas grass from next year's restoration sites; or paint picnic tables that will be placed in the back country for all to enjoy.

A good time is guaranteed for all after the morning's work with a free barbecue lunch, T-shirt and poster.  Also available will be free face painting, wagon rides, an eco-crafts display and hay maze.  Seventeen community partners of the BLM will be on hand with displays of their activities.   

Festivities start at 8:30 a.m.  Follow National Public Lands Day signs from the Fort Ord Main Entrance off Highway 1. Call 384-8711 for more information, or visit us on the web at  Free back country parking is provided for this day only!

National Public Lands Day began with the idea that the millions of Americans who use public lands each year could spend a day giving something back to the land. By doing so, they acknowledge the important role that public lands play in America as irreplaceable natural resources and recreational venues. This year National Public Lands Day will include more than 250 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and will involve more than 50,000 eager volunteers - a ringing endorsement for public lands in America.

Don't miss your chance to explore and give back to your local public lands on Fort Ord!

- BLM -