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WORK*PLAY*EARTH DAY EVENTS TO BE HELD AROUND THE STATE IN 2016

Contact(s): Patty Loosen, DNR Parks Program Friends Coordinator, 608-264-8994; Paul Holtan, Communications, 608-235-2126
April 5, 2016

Sample Caption and Alt Text
Tree planting is one of the main activities at Work*Play*Earth Day events. Here volunteers planted new trees in the new family campground at the Buckhorn State Park last year
Photo Credit: WDNR

MADISON - The public will have more opportunities than ever to celebrate Earth Day while helping out and enjoying a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or wildlife property during the eighth annual Work*Play*Earth Day events that will be held around the state.

This year there are 29 properties holding events, up from 25 in 2015. Volunteer events are sponsored by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and Department of Natural Resources properties. This year events will be held April 16, 22, 23, 30 and May 7.

Volunteers of all ages can help out at their favorite state park.
Volunteers of all ages can help out at their favorite state park.
Photo Credit: WDNR

Volunteers can join DNR staff, local friends group members, and people from nearby communities to help repair and enhance park, forest and trail properties.

"We've seen continued growth in both number of events and the numbers of participants at our Work*Play*Earth*Day events," said Patty Loosen, friends coordinator for the state parks program. "Last year we had 780 volunteers participate donating more than 2,550 hours."

In addition to tree planting, other activities taking place around the state include installing benches, removing invasive plants, painting picnic tables and other structures, raking and cleaning up leaves and picking up litter. Refreshments are often provided and Friends of Wisconsin State Parks will also provide appreciation gifts for volunteers.

Hours vary by event, but most begin either at 9 or 10 a.m. and run through noon or early afternoon.

"When the work is done, volunteers join staff in hiking or biking park trails, visiting nature centers or interpretive displays, or enjoying any of the recreational opportunities available at the different properties," Loosen said.

Saturday - April 16

Friday - April 22

Saturday - April 23

Saturday - April 30

Saturday - May 7

Last Revised: Tuesday, April 05, 2016





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