Registration required for event
In recognition of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on Sept. 23, Sarasota County’s Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) staff is hosting a variety of activities at Potter Park in Sarasota, the county has announced.
“From humble beginnings with one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, NPLD has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands,” the release explains.
Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to partner with the PRNR staff in litter pick-up, removal of nuisance plants, planting of native vegetation and assisting in paving the path for a new trail, a news release notes. The hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Potter Park is located at 8587 Potter Park Drive.
Nicole Rissler, the PRNR director, expressed her gratitude in the release for the public’s efforts over the years to improve public lands. “Our volunteers have already devoted 85,336 hours in Fiscal Year 2023 in support of our park systems,” she said in the release. “Their dedication helps preserve the county’s parks and natural areas and keeps these spaces healthy and beautiful for future generations to enjoy.”
Registration for the event is mandatory, the release says, and volunteers are encouraged to bring hand pruners, work gloves, hats, sunglasses, refillable water bottles, bug spray and sunscreen. “Additionally, closed-toe, closed-heel shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, should be worn,” the release points out.
For more information about National Public Lands Day or PRNR volunteer opportunities, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com or call 311.