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Over 160 volunteers showed their community support by rolling up their sleeves and grabbing gloves, shovels, loppers and wheelbarrows to help repair some of the recent storm damage at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area in Lorton, Virginia. They were on site Saturday morning, September 24, to support the 13th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) as well as Meadowood's 10th anniversary. Volunteers were welcomed by Dr. John Lyon, Eastern States Director for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and E Lynn Burkett, Lower Potomac Field Station Manager. Burkett encouraged participants to pick a task and follow the leader. During the walk out to work sites scattered among 800 acres, conversations took place around the many natural areas and ecology being explored. Several organizations brought volunteers and joined BLM staff to “lend a hand on the land". But the most exciting part of the day is what was accomplished! Here are some examples: Girl Scouts weeded the new Pollinator Garden. One family single-handedly hauled wheelbarrow loads of mulch to the garden. Volunteers built a retaining structure to prevent gravel from washing away during heavy rain events. A low-water crossing was constructed. About a half-mile of previously washed away gravel was replaced. Earth Sangha volunteers dug up Sweetgum and Lespedza to create space for other native species. Others repaired trail damage. One church group worked on making repairs to the upper part of Thompson Creek. After an approximate 2-mile walk, volunteers removed a log jam from one of the bridges.  Another group removed rocks and debris from a creek area. Some very little volunteers watched the action from strollers while their parents kept busy. Twenty kids participated in the photo contest and many enjoyed the face painting too. Prize winners will be selected by a panel of judges appointed by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Winners will be announced on the NPLD website (www.publiclandsday.org) on or about December 15, 2011. When weary volunteers came back to home base, they were treated to some tasty refreshments and take home souvenirs. Many left with a feeling of satisfaction, a job well done and the appreciation of a grateful staff. There is still much to be done. If you would like to volunteer for projects, please call John at 703-339-3467. This year's NPLD activities support the Let's Move Outside initiative. Appreciation is extended to Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., for continuing to sponsor NPLD, as well as Northrop Grumman Corporation, a contributing sponsor again for 2011. Thanks to all who participated in the 2011 NPLD event. We look forward to more participation in 2012.