UW Collaborates with Local Forest Service for Public Lands Day Events Sept. 28

The Laramie Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service is collaborating with multiple groups, including the University of Wyoming, to host local volunteer events on National and Wyoming Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 28.

Known as the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands, the event highlights the importance of public lands nationally and in Wyoming, as well as acknowledges the multiple uses of public lands.

UW’s Service, Leadership and Community Engagement office (SLCE), the UW Outdoor Program, Wyoming Conservation Corps, Common Outdoor Ground (COG), Laramie BikeNet, Wyoming Pathways, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service sponsor the service day.

Volunteers are needed to assist with three events near Laramie on that day -- one will be held on the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest:

-- Working under an agreement with COG, two old sections of the Aspen Trail on Pole Mountain will be rehabilitated due to new reroutes.

-- COG also will lead a cleanup event in Roger Canyon northeast of Laramie on BLM-managed section.

-- Under Laramie BikeNet’s direction, a new trail will be constructed on the state section east of Laramie, referred to as the Schoolyard.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. in front of UW’s Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center on the northeast corner, near the Outdoor Program entrance. Groups will then head out to their respective worksites.

The full-day event includes transportation, if needed -- carpooling also is encouraged -- food, tools, work gloves, if needed, and representatives who will help facilitate the workday. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended.

Most work projects should be completed by 2 p.m. Doughnuts and lunch will be provided for volunteers.

UW students, faculty and staff interested in the event can register through UW Connect on the SLCE website. Community members can register on Eventbrite, and a Facebook event page is live.