(Phoenix, AZ) - On Saturday, September 29 National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps that worked from 1933 to 1942 to preserve and protect America’s heritage, alive by engaging citizens in the enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

In 2011, more than 170,000 volunteers worked at 2,067 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and in many U.S. territories. These NPLD volunteers:

• Collected an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants

• Built and maintained an estimated 1,500 miles of trails

• Planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants

• Removed an estimated 500 tons of trash from trails and other places

• Contributed an estimated $17 million through volunteer services to improve public lands across the country

Participants for work projects should wear outdoor appropriate clothes (long sleeves and long pants recommended), sturdy shoes, hat, and sunscreen. Bring water bottles and gloves if available. Work project coordinators will provide tools and equipment, and work project instructions.

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument and Gold Butte Area of Critical Environmental Concern (joint event): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Volunteers will help revegetate areas impacted by the While Pass Fire, restore illegal trails, clean up trash, remove invasive species, and install signs, a kiosk and road/trail markings.

Where: On and around Virgin Peak

Registration/Information: Contact Paul Fuselier at 435-688-3386 or pfuselie@blm.gov.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Participants can watch up to three California Condors be released to the wild from the Condor Viewing Site on Vermilion Cliffs. The release will take place at 11:00 a.m. (Arizona time). Spotting scopes will be set up and experts will be available to answer questions. Activities will occur from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, water and a snack (lunch items will be available to purchase).

Where: California Condor Release Site – Take Highway 89A from Kanab, UT/Fredonia, AZ, to the Vermilion Cliffs (from Flagstaff or Page, take Highway 89 to Highway 89A). Turn north onto BLM Road 1065 (a dirt road next to the small house just east of the Kaibab Plateau) and continue almost three miles. There is a restroom at the site.

Registration/Information: Contact Kevin Wright at 435-688-3241 or kjwright@blm.gov.