One of the best things about living in, visiting and exploring Jackson County is the fact we have so many public lands to offer everyone.

There are opportunities to spend time on public lands at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson-Washington State Forest, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Hoosier National Forest, Hemlock Bluff Nature Preserve and more.

Public lands in Jackson County provide residents and visitors with opportunities for hiking, photography, viewing nature, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, kayaking and so much more. Our public lands make Jackson County special and you can learn more about nature in Jackson County by clicking here.

Saturday September, 26, is National Public Lands Day, which is a reminder to everyone to help take care of and preserve our public lands so we can continue to enjoy nature’s beauty. It also provides us with the chance to go out and help keep our public lands in good shape.

The Jackson County Visitor Center recently spoke with Donna Stanley, park ranger at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, about the value of public lands in our lives and in our community.

Stanley said the number one thing people can do is pretty simple: Don’t litter and pick up after yourself when you visit public lands.

“Litter kills animals, so not littering or polluting the waters is the number one thing people can do to be good stewards of the environment,” she said.

Stanley said residents and visitors can also make sure they follow all site regulations and report problems to staff members of the respective property.

This year’s volunteer work day at the refuge – and many other public places – had to be canceled this year, but that shouldn’t stop others from doing their part on their own.

“Some things like picking up litter can be done by people anytime,” she pointed out.

Public lands are vitally important to wildlife because of their impact on habitats.

“Habitat loss is the greatest threat to wildlife and without public lands some species of wildlife would have disappeared,” she said.

So the next time you’re out enjoying Jackson County’s public lands, consider doing your part to help preserve them for generations to come!