For Immediate Release
September 02, 2011
Contact Information

Bernadette Morris
T: (305) 948-8063 ext: 201
bmorris@sonshine.com

(BPRW) NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY MOBILIZES URBAN COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE LOCAL PARKS DURING SEPTEMBER 24th

(BLACK PR WIRE) – WASHINGTON [September 2, 2011] – Few places encourage a healthy lifestyle like the great outdoors, and National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is mobilizing urban communities across the U.S. to get active outside. NPLD is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands and parks nationwide and is held on September 24, 2011. The event will involve more than 170,000 volunteers around the nation dedicated to improving and promoting use of our national, state and local public lands. This year, NPLD is actively recruiting cities, including their African-American residents, to join their neighbors and visit local parks and green spaces. The initiative aims to beautify urban communities, increase care for the environment and positively impact participants’ health.

“Studies have routinely shown that physical activity greatly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death for African-Americans,” said Dr. Nelson Adams, past president of the National Medical Association. “Plus, it also reduces the risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, notable causes of health problems, and reduces stress, tension and depression. Getting outside and taking care of your local parks can help improve your physical and mental health as well.”

From trash removal to planting trees, NPLD volunteers at more than 2,000 sites will join the national effort hosted by local organizations, government agencies, companies, and parks and public land managers. Volunteers will discover uses of local parks for family-friendly activity and enjoyment while demonstrating environmental stewardship. NPLD is also supporting first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside! campaign emphasis on involving children and families in outdoor recreation as a way to help reduce and prevent childhood obesity.

NPLD is a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). JL Armstrong, a NEEF board member and national manager of external affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., is among the African-American leaders spearheading the involvement of cities including their African-American residents. Toyota is sponsoring NPLD for the 13th consecutive year.

“Toyota is a strong supporter of NPLD,” said Armstrong. “We want to do our part to enhance our public lands for the enjoyment of everyone in local communities around the country and create a legacy for future generations. As a board member of NEEF, I want to empower more African-Americans to get involved. Becoming a volunteer is not only a great way to rediscover the beauty of our public lands, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to get active and improve your local community.”

National Public Lands Day has thousands of opportunities to get involved and urges everyone to roll up their sleeves on September 24. Join the effort at your local park and encourage your neighbors to participate. To locate a volunteer project in your area, or for more information about National Public Lands Day, please visit publiclandsday.org.

**MEDIA NOTE: JL Armstrong is available for interviews and speaking engagements for National Public Lands Day and the Urban Outreach Initiative. Please contact Bernadette Morris at bmorris@sonshine.com for more information, or to receive audio and video public service announcements.**