Celebrate “Your State Parks Day” on Saturday, September 28, 2013
-Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites to cover cost of parking and admission providing free access for all visitors-

In honor of National Public Lands Day, Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is sponsoring “Your State Parks Day” on Sept. 28 and inviting Georgians to participate by visiting and volunteering at their favorite state park or historic site. Friends will cover the cost of parking and admission for participating parks and historic sites, making the event free to all Georgia residents and visitors who attend. “Your State Parks Day” serves as an important reminder that as public lands, Georgia’s state parks and historic sites belong to all Georgians and are valuable community resources for recreation, education and local economic growth. By supporting a nearby park through volunteering, Georgia residents can ensure the parks are well preserved and that their favorite outdoor activities remain available.

Volunteer projects and family-friendly activities will be available at state parks and historic sites around Georgia. Ranging from wildflower planting to trail maintenance to creek clean up and more, activities for all ages and abilities will be offered.

REI is also a proud supporter of “Your State Parks Day” and presented Friends with a $10,000 grant to help provide resources for the volunteer events and programs taking place on Sept. 28.

WHAT: “Your State Parks Day,” in honor of National Public Lands Day. Friends is covering the cost of parking and admission for all Georgia residents and visitors, who are invited to take part in a volunteer program and spend time engaging in their favorite outdoor adventures, such as hiking, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, golfing and more. Visit friendsofgastateparks.org/yourstateparksday for more information and to discover volunteer opportunities.*

WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 2013

WHERE: Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. A list of participating locations and a calendar of events by park can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org.

WHO: Georgia residents and visitors of all ages and activity levels. Families, friends and civic groups are encouraged to volunteer and enjoy the parks together. Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (www.friendsofgastateparks.org), a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Georgia’s amazing park system.

WHY: Georgia state parks and historic sites are important natural and cultural resources that offer visitors the opportunity to get active, explore and enjoy nature, and spend time with loved ones. Current economic conditions have reduced the parks and historic sites’ budget by more than 50 percent. Striving to do more with less, Friends is helping the park system become self-sufficient by mobilizing the local community to support their state park or historic site through volunteer efforts and tax-deductible donations. With the help of Georgia families and residents, the parks and historic sites will be preserved and maintained for future generations of Georgians to enjoy.

*A list of events and volunteer activities for “Your State Parks Day” will be available starting mid-August 2013 at friendsofgastateparks.org/yourstateparksday.