20th Annual National Public Lands Day at Red Bug Slough Preserve

“This event is an excellent opportunity for volunteers to help maintain the preserve’s amenities and natural features,” said Jeff Weber, Environmental Specialist and Land Manager for Red Bug Slough Preserve.

Volunteers should register in advance online at www.scgov.net. At the Calendar tab, select September from the drop down list and click go. Then choose National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28. Space for this event is limited to 25 volunteers.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring loppers, clippers or shears if they have them. Volunteers should also bring work gloves, a hat, sunglasses, water, bug spray and sunscreen and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes such as hiking boots or sneakers.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands. Last year more than 170,000 volunteers nationwide built trails and bridges, planted trees and plants, and removed trash and invasive plants. This effort contributed an estimated $17 million to improve public lands across the country.

Sarasota County has more than 106,000 acres of public and private natural lands that is home to hundreds of protected and endangered species of animals and plants. Natural lands in Sarasota County offer residents and visitors the opportunity to interact with nature, witness wildlife in its natural habitat, and enjoy outdoor recreation.

For more information, please contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.