DEMOPOLIS – The city of Demopolis is participating in yet another nation-wide endeavor.

Last time it was the Demopolis Police Department and National Night Out, this time it’s the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Public Lands Day.

As the community’s main project, engineers, other local agencies and area volunteers will focus on cleaning Black Warrior, Tombigbee and Foscue Park for the 12th annual event.

“It’s us and other federal agencies,” Melissa Lowlavar, Demopolis park ranger, said. “We will work on the environmental trail and cleanup trash and debris from the storm.”

According to Lowlavar, workers from local sponsors such as the University of West Alabama, Alabama Power and Cemex will volunteer on Saturday, September 24.

The National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority are also expected to participate.

“We are hoping for 300 people since that’s about how many have showed up in the past,” Lowlavar said. “Last year the hurricane stopped some people from coming out so it depends on the weather and we’re hoping for good weather as well.”

It is estimated that at least 70,000 volunteers will be at more than 500 sites nationwide for National Public Lands Day.

According to Lowlavar, volunteers can register at Foscue starting at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Then from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will seed food plots for wildlife, seed wildflower plots, clean up Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers, pick up litter and Katrina debris in the park and add ecosystem and information signs to the environmental trail.

“It’s an opportunity to get outside and help the environment and you can see what you’ve done,” Lowlavar said. “It’s an ongoing thing and you can see the results.”

Lowlavar suggests volunteers bring rakes, shovels and gloves if they plan to help spread gravel on the trail.

She also said volunteers should bring bug repellant to combat mosquitoes.

At noon, when all the work is completed, volunteers will be treated to pizza and refreshments and will receive a t-shirt provided by local sponsors.