As part of the 26th Annual National Public Lands Day, Saddleback Butte State Park will host a habitat cleanup on Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m. to noon, and officials invite local residents to pitch in.

Litter in the park, dropped by careless visitors or blown in from the road, is dangerous for wildlife and unsightly in nature. Volunteers are needed to pick up wrappers, cups, balloons, and other debris tangled in bushes near the campground and along the fence line.

This activity involves walking through soft sand and/or compacted dirt road for the distance of your choice. Those who wish to trek far should be sure to arrive early.

Please note that dogs are only allowed in the campground, picnic area, and park road (no dogs on trails in state parks).

Parking fees will be waived for participants, and volunteers will receive a complimentary Litter Getter Magnet, a district-wide day use pass for adults, and a Saddleback Butte State Park patch or water bottle to thank you for your stewardship.

Coordinated each year by the National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day brings together volunteers from coast to coast to improve and restore the lands and facilities that people across America use and enjoy every day.

Each year, National Public Lands Day volunteers provide tens of millions of dollars’ worth of services that would otherwise take limited park staff months to accomplish.

More than 150,000 people are expected to participate in events across the country this year.

Please note: the official NPLD, sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales USA, was September 28; the event at Saddleback is held a month later when the desert is cooler.

Check-in at the campground for registration and litter pickup supplies. Bring lunch, water, layered clothing with long pants, and sun protection; bringing your own reusable gloves and water bottles will help conserve natural resources.

Pre-registration is not required, but participants may RSVP in advance at www.Facebook.com/SaddlebackButte.

For questions about this event, call 661-946-6900 or email Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov.

For information about the park, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

When: Saturday, October 26th, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Check in at Saddleback Butte State Park Campground, 17071 East Avenue K in Lancaster (East Avenue K and 170th Street East, near Lake Los Angeles).

From Hwy 14, follow Ave K east past 150th St. East. Road becomes K-8; make a left on 170th Street East back to Avenue K. Make a right, and the campground entrance is on the left.