Volunteers are needed for a forest project on Wild Horse Island next weekend.

National Public Lands Day is Sept. 28 and recognizes volunteer efforts that steward public lands. As part of that celebration, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is organizing a forest project on Wild Horse Island that day. Volunteers will work with staff to thin out trees with hand tools.

Wild Horse Island is a unique park unit with a rich cultural and natural history. The Ponderosa Pine grove on the island is a vital habitat for wildlife. In its current state, Douglas Firs are competing with the Ponderosas for space, water and sunlight, stunting the growth of the latter. The work project will thin out Douglas Firs via manual removal using hand tools.

Attendance is free and staff will be supplying transportation to the island, tools, extra water and snacks.

Space is limited to 20 volunteers. To sign up, call the Wayfarers Ranger Station at 406-837-3041 and give your name, phone number and email, and number of participants in your group (no more than 5 per group). If staff is unavailable, leave a voicemail with your interest in attending and contact info listed above.

Participants will meet at the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park at 10 a.m. and return around 3 p.m.