National Public Lands Day

MOBILIZES URBAN COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE LOCAL PARKS

Few places encourage a healthy lifestyle like the great outdoors, and National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is mobilizing urban communities across the U.S. to get active outside. NPLD is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands and parks nationwide and is held on September 24, 2011. The event will involve more than 170,000 volunteers around the nation dedicated to improving and promoting use of our national, state and local public lands. This year, NPLD is actively recruiting cities, including their African-American residents, to join their neighbors and visit local parks and green spaces. The initiative aims to beautify urban communities, increase care for the environment and positively impact participants’ health.

From trash removal to planting trees, NPLD volunteers at more than 2,000 sites will join the national effort hosted by local organizations, government agencies, companies, and parks and public land managers. Volunteers will discover uses of local parks for family-friendly activity and enjoyment while demonstrating environmental stewardship. NPLD is also supporting first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside! campaign emphasis on involving children and families in outdoor recreation as a way to help reduce and prevent childhood obesity.

J.L. Armstrong

NPLD is a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). JL Armstrong, a NEEF board member and national manager of external affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., is among the African-American leaders spearheading the involvement of cities including their African-American residents. Toyota is sponsoring NPLD for the 13th consecutive year.

National Public Lands Day has thousands of opportunities to get involved and urges everyone to roll up their sleeves on September 24. Join the effort at your local park and encourage your neighbors to participate. To locate a volunteer project in your area and for more information about National Public Lands Day .