Volunteers are wanted to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 29 by helping to restore Park Orchard Park in the Panther Lake area of Kent.

Parking is available at Park Orchard Elementary next door, 11010 S.E. 232nd St. The event is held rain or shine, with orientation at 9 a.m. and work continuing until noon.

Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the park’s 6.3 acres, which will make it more open and safer for children walking to school. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is noon Sept. 26. Contact 253-856-5110 or download a registration form at www.KentWAParks.com. Click on volunteer.

Tools and gloves are supplied, but extra shovels or pruners are always welcome. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots or shoes (no flip-flops or sandals allowed) and dress for the weather. Starbucks is donating coffee and hot chocolate to get everyone started, and REI is assisting with promotion. Water and snacks will also be provided.

Last year was the largest National Public Lands Day in history as 170,000 volunteers participated at more than 2,060 sites around the nation. Volunteers were able to contribute more than $15 million in improvements to public lands.

Kent has participated in this event for the past six years. It began nationally in 1994 with 700 volunteers. National Public Lands Day was established as a way to continue the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the three million Americans who worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.