National Public Lands Day brings out volunteers

On National Public Lands Day, "It was so great to join Salida Mountain Trails (SMT), The Colorado Trail Foundation (CTF), and San Luis Valley Great Outdoors," said Tim Kugler, Executive Director of Gunnison Trails. "The group joined with volunteers from across the divide for some trail maintenance on the Crest to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 26. Volunteers hauled dirt bag after dirt bag filled with spoils from last year's Crest reroute just before Green's Creek to rehab the old section of trail. Gunni Trails is honored to work alongside SMT and the CTF to help maintain such an iconic stretch of trail," said Kugler.

In the Gunnison Valley, public lands are more than a line on a map. They are the places we hike, hunt, fish, bike, camp, ski and enjoy.

National Public Lands Day is a time to take a moment to appreciate those places and the people who help care for them. These volunteer groups donate invaluable time and labor in ensuring that our treasures are kept in top shape.

First established in 1994, the annual observance encourages people to get outside, volunteer and lend a hand on public lands. Many federal public lands also waive entrance fees on the day. The day is led by the National Environmental Education Foundation and attracts thousands of volunteers to help preserve public lands.

According to the Sierra Club, "This is a day not only to spotlight the national parks, monuments, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands we love, but also to acknowledge the many people and communities throughout the country who help ensure these places are accessible and protected for future generations."

Here in the Valley, the surrounding national forests and other public lands are part of what makes this place special. They provide habitat for wildlife, opportunities for recreation and open space that can feel increasingly scarce elsewhere.

National Public Lands Day is a reminder that these lands are ours to enjoy — and ours to look after.