We … want … a shrubbery … or some volunteers to plant shrubberies

PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites volunteers who aren’t afraid of the “Knights who say Ni” or shrubberies (Monty Python reference) to help it celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 22. 

The event supports the nation’s largest single-day volunteer restoration effort for America’s public lands. Scouts, youth groups, civic clubs, families and individuals are encouraged to participate in the event.

For their efforts, volunteers can stay in Pine Meadows Campground for free, either the night before or the night of the event. Volunteers will also receive a pass, which is good for free entry any day during the next year at public land sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"The new plants and trees will provide habitat for wildlife and improve the environment for campers,” said Corps Park Manager Tami Schroeder. “We like to involve volunteers in these planting projects because it helps build a sense of stewardship for Corps-managed lands.”  

The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Meadows Campground and volunteers will also receive a free lunch.  All volunteers should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and long pants. Gloves, tools and drinking water will be available. The campground is located south of Eugene: 75166 Cottage Grove Reservoir Road, Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Volunteers should pre-register no later than Sept. 14 by contacting U. S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger at 541-942-5631. For more information about National Public Lands Day, go to http://www.publiclandsday.org/. 

Cottage Grove Dam and Reservoir is one of 13 dam and reservoir projects operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Willamette River drainage system.  Each dam contributes to a water resource plan designed to provide flood risk management, power generation, irrigation, water quality improvement, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation on the Willamette River and many of its tributaries.