September 24, 2008

Shenandoah National Park will host the National Parks America Tour on
Saturday, September 27 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Almost 200 volunteers are expected to assist park staff in restoring Big Meadows and removing invasive vegetation. Activities will include an informative talk about exotic plants followed by a hands-on activity in Big Meadows.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to hear a Park Ranger talk about the work of the Civilian Conservation Corp while walking around the site of a former CCC camp, in honor of the CCC's 75th anniversary at Shenandoah National Park. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and breakfast compliments of program sponsor Unilever, as well as ARAMARK.

Volunteers will meet at Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center located at MP 51 on
Skyline Drive. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. They will receive a t-shirt and breakfast before heading into the meadow where they will work at trail maintenance and litter patrol until lunch time.

Free park admission is available to the public to celebrate National Public
Lands Day. Also, a free pass for future entry into any National Park unit
will also be given to the first 100 participants who attend the volunteer event.

To sign up to volunteer, contact Karen Beck-Herzog at 540-999-3300.