Greater Brandon Residents Invited to Take Part in National Public Lands Day

Hillsborough County is celebrating National Public Lands Day by offering an opportunity to volunteer and explore Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, 3709 Gulf City Rd. in Ruskin Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers are needed for trimming, removing vegetation and picking up litter throughout the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Once cleanup is complete, volunteers will have nature and bird-watching opportunities as they explore the trails and numerous bodies of water throughout the preserve.

Participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen, gloves, a hat and insect repellent. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve is part of Hillsborough County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP.) ELAPP was established to conserve and protect those lands which have environmentally unique, irreplaceable and valued ecological resources. The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department manages more than 60,000 acres of environmentally sensitive wildlife habitat and corridors acquired through ELAPP.

Those wishing to participate can register by contacting Sherri Wilson, Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, at 813-671-7754, ext. 207.

The Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve is among more than 2,100 sites across the country that are targeted on National Public Lands Day. More than 170,000 volunteers are expected Saturday, Sept. 29 to take part in the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

Volunteers in every state will visit parks, public and community gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and chip in to help these treasured places that belong to all Americans. They will improve and restore the lands and facilities the public uses for recreation, education, exercise and connecting with nature.

“With one-third of America's land in public hands, NPLD provides an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help sustain these lands,” said Robb Hampton, director of the public lands program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), which coordinates NPLD. “Volunteers can also spend time after their tasks to enjoy the lands, whether at a local green space or national park. Many sites offer nature hikes, bike rides, picnics or other outdoor activities.”

“NPLD involves thousands of volunteers making a difference in cities and towns across the nation while participating in outdoor activities," JL Armstrong, NEEF board member and national manager, corporate affairs at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., said. "We encourage everyone, particularly families and service groups, to join their neighbors on NPLD to make their communities the best they can be.”

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the event’s national sponsor for the 14th consecutive year. Northrop Grumman has joined as a contributing sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. Sept. 29 marks the event’s 19th year.

The event last year contributed an estimated $17 million in volunteer services to public lands, which include planting about 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants, as well as building and maintaining approximately 1,500 miles of trails.

Events in every state, the District of Columbia and many U.S. territories can be found online now, searchable by state or zip code. Eight federal agencies will participate—along with more than 250 state, county and city partners, and a host of nonprofit organizations around the nation.

NPLD is also a designated fee-free entrance day at many federal public lands including national parks. More information can be found at publiclandsday.org.