Volunteers are needed this weekend to help cleanup Phil\u2019s World on National Public Lands Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cDumping has definitely been an issue out there for several years,\u201d said Dani Gregory, president of the Kokopelli Bike Club. \u201cIt\u2019s a major trash dump.\u201d<\/p>\n
Located east of Cortez, the 12-mile system of single-track mountain-bike trails was last cleaned of trash about five years ago, she said.<\/p>\n
San Juan Mountains Association volunteer program director Kathe Hayes said trash-removal efforts must continue on the 2,000-acre site in order to maintain the landscape\u2019s natural beauty. Volunteers will be working Saturday, Sept. 28, on the northern portion of already-developed trails, she said.<\/p>\n
Motorized and nonmotorized volunteers are encouraged to sign up. Trash bags, buckets and tools will be provided. Volunteers must wear long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection and gloves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Kokopelli Bike Club helped coordinate the cleanup effort, because we want to make a good faith effort to show that we care about the land,\u201d Gregory said. \u201cWe want to be good stewards.\u201d<\/p>\n
National Public Lands Day is a chance for the community to help keep public lands beautiful. Last year, about 150,000 volunteers participated at more than 2,000 locations across the country.<\/p>\n
Lunch and T-shirts will be provided, and volunteers must register by Wednesday, Sept. 25. For more, email Kathe Hayes at kathe@sjma.org<\/a> or call her at 385-1310.<\/p>\n