Lopez groups dedicated to preserving island life through land stewardship and environmental education have teamed up to host a National Public Lands Day event at Watmough Bay Preserve on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“We’re excited to continue this tradition of celebrating the outdoors and engaging the community with National Public Lands Day,” said organizer Sara Waugh. “The day will offer opportunities for outdoor fun, education and stewardship on these treasured Lopez lands.”

Local conservation experts agree. National Public Lands Day is intended to get people who think globally to act locally. Tim Clark of Lopez has been a preserve steward with the San Juan County Land Bank since 2008.

Clark said, “Public lands may seem to happen, but their care takes an unbelievable amount of time and energy. Get outside on National Public Lands Day. These places need you. They need an involved public, or else your favorite places may become just memories.”

Fellow preserve steward Doug McCutchen agreed with Clark’s appeal.

“We encourage you to take some time to explore a new public place or visit a favorite haunt. Take time to consider what role the physical landscape plays in your experience living in the islands,” said McCutchen. “Imagine what changes might be in store and how we can work together as a community to hold onto the core values that make these islands so incredible.”

Volunteers will come to Lopez for outdoor games, interpretive walks, tide pool exploration and marine ecology education stations. Maintenance projects will address invasive weeds and beach cleanup.

Volunteers are asked to come with a lunch, water, and all-weather clothing. Families and children are welcome.

Clark insists there will be enough “walks, talks, and work available for everyone” at Watmough Bay Preserve.

National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the nation.

Photos from around the country will be posted on various social media sites using the hashtag #NPLD20 to signify the 20- year anniversary of the national event. Volunteers at the Lopez event will be posting day-of photos of the event in progress to Facebook.

The event’s partners are the BLM, SJC Land Bank, Kwiaht, Lopez Community Trails Network, Lopez Island Conservation Corps, Keepers of the Patos Light and the San Juan Preservation Trust.

For more info about NPLD call Nick Teague at the BLM 468-3754.