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Wild South Celebrates National Public Lands Day in Linville Gorge, Calls on Volunteers for Sept. 29

Sept. 25, 2012. Sept. 29th is National Public Lands Day. It is the single largest day of volunteer service with over 170,000 volunteers serving their public lands in 2011. This year Wild South is calling on volunteers to meet up for an exciting day in the Linville Gorge Wilderness.

“Our goal for the day is help eliminate non-native invasive plants from the Wilderness. These invasive plants are threatening the ecosystems of the Gorge and we need to act fast,” says Ben Prater, Wild South Associate Director.

Join Wild South on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at Wiseman’s View on the western side of the gorge.

The day will begin with a workshop hosted by the Western North Carolina Alliance who will teach volunteers to identify non-native invasive plants and discuss how you can help defend your own property from these pests. 

Bob Gale, Western North Carolina Alliance Ecologist states, “The only way to truly protect wild places is to make sure we are all doing our part to control these invasive plants at home and we will show you how.”

Lunch will be provided so you must register to attend. After lunch a brief safety training volunteers will head down into the Gorge to get to work pulling weeds along trails. This is hard work on steep terrain so be prepared. Wild South will provide all tools and safety gear, but bring your day pack with plenty of water and snacks and weather appropriate clothing. Bring work gloves if you have them and wear sturdy boots.

The work day will conclude by 5 p.m. But, for those wishing to stay a little later you might have a chance to witness the mysterious “Brown Mountain Lights” as Wiseman’s View provides an excellent vantage point.

If you are interested in joining us for this day of service in one of North Carolina’s most spectacular Wilderness areas please visit us online www.wildsouth.org or contact ben@wildsouth.org.