To celebrate National Public Lands Day Saturday, Vicksburg National Military Park is calling on the community to help with volunteer service projects throughout the park. This event is held in partnership with the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign and Shape Up Vicksburg.

Volunteers should meet park staff at the USS Cairo parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers will help clean headstones, paint cannons, and learn about the new WATCH Program.

The WATCH program is designed for members of the community who exercise or would like to start exercising in the park and want to take on an advocating role to help be the eyes and ears for the NPS to other visitors. 

To help launch this new program, Linda Fondren of Shape Up Vicksburg will lead a special walk for all interested individuals.

“We are hoping for a large turnout,” Park Superintendent Bill Justice said. “This is a great opportunity for members of our community to lend a helping hand and honor the stories and memories of the military park.”

Those volunteering will need closed-toed shoes, long pants and a water bottle. Anyone who volunteers for this event will receive a National Public Lands Day pass to enter any public land for free on a specified day of their choice.

For more information and to sign up please go to http://ow.ly/jRo230pqmsq.

Park entrance fees are waived Saturday as part of National Public Lands Day.