The University of Minnesota-Extension Master Naturalist Program, in partnership with the Northland Arboretum, invites Brainerd area residents to participate in National Public Lands Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24.
According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, volunteers will participate in the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Since 2012, the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program has facilitated this effort at sites across the state.
More than 600 volunteers have removed invasive species, planted pollinator gardens and protected newly planted trees, among other projects, for more than 3,000 service hours to date. This year, the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program encourages residents to join this growing tradition of stewardship through service at one of 14 locations in Minnesota.
Volunteer registration closes Aug. 26. To register, go to www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org/courses/ to find the National Public Lands Day sites facilitated by the Minnesota Master Naturalist program. During registration, registrants will be asked for a T-shirt size and dietary needs as each volunteer will receive a free NPLD T-shirt and an on-site lunch. Youths are welcome to attend at most sites, but volunteers will be responsible for supervision.
Volunteers at the Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Drive, will help plant gardens along new fitness trails.
