Friends Become Partners in Georgia and Florida

National Public Lands Day is pleased to announce the Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites and the Friends of Florida State Parks as its newest partners. These two Friends Groups are dedicated to supporting their respective state park systems by encouraging volunteerism, educating residents and leading community events and activities.

Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites

The Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites (FGSP) is a state-wide network of more than 50 chapters and 6,000 volunteers that work together to protect the natural and cultural resources of the state. Starting on National Public Lands Day, FGSP is launching a year-long volunteer celebration called "Your State Parks."  This initiative will attract a new generation of volunteers and engage them in conserving and preserving their state parks for future generations.

On September 29, 2012, National Public Lands Day will serve as the official kick-off for "Your State Parks."  More than 40 FGSP chapters are expected to lead volunteer projects and family-friendly programs. At Fort Yargo, mountain bikers will work on trails and at Unicoi State Park and Lodge, volunteers will clean up Smith Creek.

In addition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has declared National Public Lands Day as a fee-free day at the majority of Georgia park units thanks to sponsorship from the FGSP. Free parking and admission is available to all Georgia residents and visitors.  Participating locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org, including Cloudland Canyon, Skidaway Island, Victoria Bryant, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Kolomoki Mounds and dozens of other destinations. 

Friends of Florida State Parks

The Friends of Florida State Parks is encouraging its 83 friends and alliance groups to mobilize on National Public Lands Day and lead volunteer, recreation or education activities. State park groups can register their site at www.publiclandsday.org. By doing so, site managers can take advantage of online resources such as the Manual for Site Managers, the Media Kit for Site Managers as well as free promotional materials to help publicize the event.

Representing friends groups of one of the largest state park systems in the country, the Friends of Florida State Parks looks to introduce National Public Lands Day into many new parks and regions of Florida.