Mount Rainier National Park will celebrate National Public Lands Day this Saturday with the help of volunteers working on several several projects in the park. National Public Lands Day is an annual celebration of public involvement in the stewardship of America's national, state, and local parks and forests. More than 170,000 individuals are expected to participate in events all over the country. In recognition of this, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks for the day. Volunteers will receive an additional coupon for free admission on a day of their choice. The public can join in the day's work. The National Parks Conservation Association will help coordinate registration at 8 a.m. at Longmire. After a brief welcome at 9, participants will divide into work groups. The Washington Trails Association and Park Service crew leaders will lead trail maintenance projects at Paradise, while other crews will winterize a campground at Longmire that is used by volunteers, school groups, and other park partners. Trail work is suitable for ages 16 and up, while campground maintenance is good for all ages. Additional projects may be added as well. Another project GÇô revegetating a former campground near Sunrise GÇô will put a small number of volunteers to work on the east side of the national park. Volunteers interested in planting should meet crew leaders in front of the Sunrise Visitor Center at 9 a.m. and plan for a mile-long hike to the project location. This project can only accept about a dozen volunteers, and participants should RSVP to Kevin_Bacher@nps.gov. They should be prepared for cool, wet weather, with warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy footwear, and gloves. Knee pads are also recommended for planting. If the weather is nice, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are recommended. Volunteers should also bring water, snacks, and a lunch. Free camping at Longmire Campground is available both the day before and after National Public Lands Day for event participants. Reservations can be made at Kevin_Bacher@nps.gov. Volunteers help maintain trails, patrol park roads and wilderness areas, assist and educate visitors, conduct research as citizen scientists, and plant native plants at the park. Last year, 1,784 volunteers contributed 62,736 hours of service, an effort valued at $1.4 million, according to park officials.
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