Volunteers will be putting in sweat equity at the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (BLELC) in honor of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 24.
The National Environmental Education Foundation established National Public Lands Day in 1994. The annual celebration is the largest volunteer-based event geared toward improving and restoring public lands. This year’s theme is “giving back together.”
BLELC was also established in 1994. Based within UMD’s College of Education and Human Service Professions, the nonprofit provides innovative education to increase awareness, understanding, and skills related to sustainable natural resource management. The center’s activities are made possible through a partnership between Minnesota Power, St. Louis County and UMD.
On Saturday, volunteers will be helping prepare the 18,000-acre classroom for the winter. Activities may include invasive plant removal, tree planting, trail maintenance, facility maintenance, canoe maintenance, and firewood collection.
“Thousands of people enjoy our trails and facilities all year round, whether they’re hiking, canoeing, skiing or snowshoeing,” says BLELC Director Ryan Hueffmeier. “We have a small staff and so we’re grateful to those who choose to give back on occasions like National Public Lands Day,” says BLELC Director Ryan Hueffmeier.
About the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center