Party in a picked-up park

September 23, 2009

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has named this Saturday, September 26 National Public Lands Day. Show some love for your favorite local spot by hosting a park appreciation party.

Before you venture out, have everyone decorate bags that they'll use for litter. Supply everyone with fabric paint and reusable sacks and have them give their receptacles a personal spin.

Design t-shirts for everyone to wear during their volunteer efforts, but encourage participants write their names on the back using their own style. Split the group into teams devoted to a particular type of trash or recyclable material to ensure you keep everything separate and color-code the shirts accordingly.

Once you arrive, turn your conservation efforts into a competition. See who can collect cans the quickest or fill their bag first. Reward everyone with a potted plant as a trophy and artfully display the name of their award on the pot.

After you've picked over your park of choice, settle in for a group picnic of natural treats, such as granola bars or fresh-squeezed juice in a biodegradable cup. Make sure everyone picks up their trash!