HOMESTEAD, Florida: On Saturday, January 19, 2013, Everglades National Park will host a public volunteer event in the housing and maintenance areas in the Royal Palm District of the Park in recognition of the National Day of Service. The Day of Service is the nationwide celebration of the president’s inauguration as well as a commemoration of Martin Luther King’s vision of community service.

South Florida experiences a year-round growing season, which is beneficial for gardening and farming, but also means that trees and other vegetation around Everglades’ facilities require continuous trimming. Volunteer groups will remove fallen branches and use loppers, handsaws, and hand clippers to trim overgrown vegetation around the various administrative offices, maintenance buildings, and housing units, ensuring that they are safe and accessible for park staff. Vegetation removal, trimming and redefining paved areas are vital for the continued use of park facilities and will be the majority of Saturday’s work.

Participating volunteers will receive a free entry pass, enabling each volunteer to visit the Everglades again and share this unique National Park with their family and friends.

All are invited. To volunteer, show up or RSVP with John Souva at (305) 242-7040

Volunteers will meet at 9:00a in the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center parking lot. Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Participants are required to wear long-sleeved shirts, sneakers, and long pants to protect against exposure to sun, biting insects, poisonwood, and ivy. Please bring a lunch, refillable water bottle, hat, and sunglasses.

Directions: Address of Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034

From the Miami area and northern destinations, take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends merging with U.S.1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center will be on the right. Volunteers driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.