Volunteers are also sought for National Public Lands Day.

TAMPA BAY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is seeking residents and visitors to volunteer at events in Florida’s state parks, aquatic preserves and National Estuarine Research Reserves.

The events will give people a chance to join the community in volunteer conservation while enjoying natural beauty.

International Coastal Cleanup Day, the world’s largest volunteer effort to help protect oceans, lakes and rivers, is Saturday (Sept. 15). A second event, National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, is Sept. 22.

DEP will join partners in offering statewide beach and trail cleanups, exotic plant removals, native plantings, and informational sessions throughout the week to promote volunteerism and encourage the preservation of Florida’s natural resources.

International Coastal Cleanup Day events in Southwest Florida include:

• Cleanup at Crystal River Preserve State Park
  Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Beach Cleanup at Caladesi Island State Park
  Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
• Beach Cleanup at Honeymoon Island State Park
  Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
• Beach Cleanup at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
  Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Find an International Coastal Cleanup Day event near you.

National Public Lands Day events in Southwest Florida include:

• Trail Improvement at the Withlacoochee State Trail
  Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon
• Vegetation Clearing at Fort Cooper State Park
  Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon
• Invasive Plant Removal at Lake Kissimmee State Park
  Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon
• Exotics Restoration Workday at Little Manatee State Park
  Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Invasive Plant Removal at Colt Creek State Park
  Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-noon

Find a National Public Lands Day event near you.

Photo shows gopher tortoise at Caladesi Island.

Environment | Volunteerism | Events | International Coastal Cleanup Day | National Public Lands Day | Tampabay News

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