Vicksburg National Military Park has scheduled its annual National Public Lands Day for Sept. 26.

“This is a great way to get involved and become a stake holder in the Vicksburg National Military Park,” natural resource program manager Sara Strickland said.

National Public Lands Day is the largest single day to work on public land, Strickland said.

“A lot of national parks participate in this project and since it was started in 1994, it has grown like crazy,” she said.

In the past, the VNMP has had from 40 to 80 volunteers turn out to help, Strickland said.

With a symbiotic effect, National Public Lands Day offers opportunities for volunteers and the staff at VNMP.

“It is an opportunity for the public to maintain public land that they use and for the park to educate them on what we do,” Strickland said.

Strickland said any one is welcome to come out and volunteer.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at park’s Visitor Center and work will begin between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

This year’s project will include working in the rose garden at the Shirley House and painting cannon carriages at Tour Stop 1.

Volunteers will be divided into to two groups for the projects, Strickland said.

“The rose garden will need weeding and tilling and some compost will need to be put out.”

Work will subside at noon, and all volunteers will receive a free pizza lunch.

“We will also be giving out fee free passes to the first folks that arrive,” Strickland said, adding the passes are good at any national park.

Strickland advised that all volunteers dress accordingly.

“Wear long sleeve shirts and pants that you don’t mind getting dirty or paint on,” she said.

She also recommended bringing a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Gloves and water will be furnished.

For more information, call 601-636-0583 or visit nps.gov/vick.