Local residents are being invited to help with a series of service projects at the state-owned Beartooth Ranch in Clark on Saturday morning.

It’s part of both National Public Lands Day and the first-ever Wyoming Public Lands Day.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Trout Unlimited and Park County Weed and Pest are collaborating on Saturday’s work day at the public Beartooth Ranch. Participants will split into groups to install bear boxes with Game and Fish, put in fishing line recycle stations with Trout Unlimited and pull weeds with Park County Weed and Pest.

Informally known as the “drug ranch” — because the property was seized from a former drug smuggler — it boasts 657 acres of prime wildlife habitat and world-class fishing access, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition says.

Participants are asked to meet at the Cody Coffee Station at 919 16th St., near Walgreens, at 9 a.m.; they’ll then carpool and make the roughly 30-minute drive to the ranch together.

“We’ll aim to complete work around noon and celebrate over lunch,” said Emily Reed with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

Attendees should bring closed-toed shoes, gloves, water, sunscreen, a hat, extra layers and lunch or money for an on-site food truck (the Fresh Prince of Steaks, featuring authentic philly cheesesteaks). They can also bring a fly rod, binoculars or gravel bike to further enjoy the public lands during the afternoon.

Reed referenced a passage from ecologist Aldo Leopold’s book, “A Sand County Almanac,” in which he writes that, “When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

“We are not just a part of the Powell community — we are a part of the public land community that surrounds our town and beyond. And like any community, public lands require some of our attention and effort to ensure their longevity,” Reed said. “I hope that you all take time this upcoming weekend to not only celebrate your public lands but show them some tender-loving care by honoring National Public Lands Day and the first Wyoming Public Lands Day on Saturday.”

National Public Lands Day began in 1993 under the leadership of the National Environmental Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1990 to advance environmental literacy nationwide. Earlier this year, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 99 into law, establishing the fourth Saturday of each September as Wyoming Public Lands Day, which corresponds with National Public Lands Day.

People from all over the state are engaging in public land stewardship projects and celebrations, Reed said. A complete list of events is available at www.keepitpublicwyo.com.