The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is putting out a call for volunteers to help clean up five state parks tomorrow (Tuesday). Linda King is volunteer coordinator for the DNR. She says the work will involve picking up trash and sticks and possibly some painting. The state park clean up is part of the national “9-11 Call to Service” — an effort to unite one million Americans through volunteering in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. King expects the parks will need a lot of attention. “We’re hoping for a big turnout. Over the last few three day holidays, our state parks have had a lot more garbage and litter left behind,” King said. “That’s why we’re doing it on Tuesday after the long Labor Day weekend to help our park rangers pick up the parks.” Volunteers are urged to come prepared for some serious labor.

King suggests volunteers bring gloves, wear closed toed shoes and bring something to drink. The five parks involved in the volunteer effort are Lake Ahquabi near Indianola, Big Creek in Polk County, Backbone State Park near Dubuque, Lake of Three Fires in southwest Iowa’s Taylor County and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Cedar Rapids.  Persons wanting to volunteer for the  Lake of Three Fires State Park clean-up should meet at the park office. The clean-up will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday.

(Radio Iowa)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Farmers in Nebraska and Iowa whose cropland has been covered all summer by Missouri River floodwaters can get help dealing with the damage to their land. Experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Iowa State University Extension are planning a Sept. 12 workshop for farmers. The event from 9:30 a.m. to noon will be broadcast to 14 different locations along the river in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota that day.

Some flood damage, like erosion and sand deposits, will be obvious once the floodwaters recede. But some damage to the soil won’t be so easy to see or repair. Experts from both universities will offer advice on dealing with flood damage, and farmers will have an opportunity to ask questions. Details are available online at http://flood.unl.edu or http://bit.ly/qBTnfF .