National Trails Day “America’s Largest Trailgating Party!” Celebration at Land Between the Lakes June 2nd

Golden Pond, KY – It’s time to slip on your hiking boots or grab your bike and get out on your favorite trails at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area to celebrate the 20th Annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2nd.

The theme for National Trails Day 2012 is America’s Largest Trailgating Party!  National Trails Day is still America’s largest trail celebration and it is still going strong after 20 years!

National Trails Day in LBL combines some sweat with some fun and a sense of accomplishment.  Staff and volunteers from LBL and the Friends of LBL have planned projects focused on preparing the opening of a portion of the new Bike & Hike Trail that runs parallel with US68/KY80. Meet at 9:00am at the Golden Pond Visitor Center and plan to volunteer from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

“Trails are a great way to enjoy America’s Great Outdoors, this workday is an opportunity to give back to the places you enjoy,” commented Kyle Varel, Assistant Trails Manager at LBL.  “LBL offers hikers, bikers, and riders, both four-legged and four-wheeled, hundreds of miles of scenic trails.”

Preregister to volunteer for LBL’s hiking or biking trail projects by calling 270.924.2007.  Permethrin insect repellant will be provided; bring your own water bottle, lunch, sturdy boots, and work gloves.

“Volunteers are very important to public lands, and we welcome anyone who is interested.  This is a wonderful way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and learn more about LBL and other volunteer opportunities that are available here,” said Emily Schmadeke, Friends of LBL Volunteer Coordinator.

For more information, contact Emily Schmadeke at 800.455.5897 or 270.924.2007, or Kyle Varel at 270.924.2031, or email lblinfo@fs.fed.us. Additional volunteer opportunities at LBL include the Adopt-A-Trail Program.

For volunteers who have an interest in equestrian trail riding at LBL, there are several areas of LBL’s trails now available for adoption!  For more information, contact Emily Schmadeke at the number above.

Visitors can also join in National Trails Day fun at Woodlands Nature Station during the Be an Outdoors Kid program at 11:00am.  Discover some basic outdoor skills and become an official Outdoors-Kid!  Learn what you should bring for an outdoor trip, how to identify poison ivy, how to follow a trail without getting lost, and more.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.  Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation and environmental education for the public to enjoy.

Visitors are encouraged to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL information can be found on the website or by calling 1.800.LBL.7077 or 270.924.2000.