Tuesday, September 15, 2015

What does public lands, partnerships and service have in common?

MEDIA ALERT
September 15, 2015
Contact: Arielle Reynoso, Partner Engagement Specialist


The LEAPing Frogs Community Garden
The Value of Public Lands, Partnerships and Community Service

On Saturday, September 19th Students, family members, teachers and volunteers “LEAP” (Learning. Environmental Engagement. Awareness. Productivity.) into a day of active volunteerism and ownership in beautifying school grounds prior to and in honor of National Public Lands Day.

In Reach and Carrollton Elementary School have planned a day of activities to raise environmental awareness, encourage an active lifestyle and build community in the New Carrollton city of Prince George’s County, MD. A collaborative event, funded by a grant from the Maryland's Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, will take place on September 19th from 9am to 11am.

The day will consist of a general clean-up of the garden area, removal of invasive plants, planting of tulips and preparing the garden for the winter. Additionally, volunteers will take part in pre-planting stretching and light exercising inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside” children’s health initiative as it aligns directly with the vision and goal in our growing partnership with Prince George’s County schools and in this event. In a report provided by Alliance of a Healthier Generation, Maryland is the 21st most obese state in the U.S. for children at a shocking 32% while the physical inactivity rate is at a solid 25%. Our event will help decrease screen and couch time and get the children of the Carrollton Elementary community on their feet and outdoors to take part in a meaningful day which will bring the community together and create something beautiful to bloom.

Although National Public Lands Day is formally taking place on September 26th, it is the nation’s largest volunteer event acknowledging public lands. According to the National Environment Education Foundation in 2014, about 175,000 volunteers took part in this event at various sites across the nation! National Public Lands Day is a fantastic opportunity to get off the couch and out into the beautiful outdoors. Volunteers can participate as a family, with a school, community or other national organizations and non-profits. All volunteers will undoubtedly get the satisfaction that comes from preserving and protecting public lands, along with physical exercise and family and community togetherness in a day full of, planting, enhancing and beautifying.

For more information about National Public Lands Day and if you want to learn more about how to get involved at site near you visit their website at publiclandsday.orgTo learn more about In Reach visit our website.

In Reach is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preparing students for college, work and life. It organizes on-going events with its students, their families, partner schools, and other community members and entities to raise awareness, educate and build relationships to reduce the issues that challenge its mission specifically those associated with poverty.