National Public Lands Day at Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is hosting a park clean-up for National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 9:00 am to 12 noon at West Beach, located on North County Line Road in Portage. Region residents are invited to join park staff, Mermaid Straw, Dig the Dunes, and more for a day of stewardship focused around reducing single-use plastic waste and celebrating public lands. This event is an extension of Trash Trekkers, a drop-in trash collection program in the park.
The event will kick off at West Beach at 9:00 am, where volunteers will sign in and pick up supplies, though visitors may participate any time before noon. Park officials say the event is family-friendly and will feature “live,” professional mermaids available for meet and greets. Each volunteer will receive a fee-free coupon that grants single-day entry into federal public lands, as well as other free goodies and refreshments.
Due to continuing concerns about COVID-19, participants are asked to please bring a mask and practice social distancing. “In the spirit of the event, please remember to bring your own reusable water bottles. Trash bags and other safety gear will be provided. Please wear appropriate footwear for the beach and trails. Volunteers are also encouraged to visit other locations in the national park to remove litter,” the news release said.
For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call 219-395-1882 or visit their website at www.nps.gov/indu and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndianaDunesNPS .