Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging outdoor activity and released recreation guidelines in preparation for Saturday’s National Public Lands Day.

“National Public Lands Day gives all of us a chance to celebrate the significant contributions that our public lands make to wildlife and our quality of life,” Southeast Region Manager Brett Ackerman said.

National Public Lands Day, a National Environmental Education Foundation event, promotes the enjoyment and conservation of public lands. In Colorado, it serves as an annual celebration of the state’s outdoor heritage and diverse landscapes.

“Our public lands play an essential role in what makes Colorado such a spectacular place to live and visit,” Ackerman said. “Spending time in nature is good for us. It helps teach us, inspire us and nourish our bodies and minds.”

Colorado has 22 million acres of public lands, including 13 National Park Service units, 41 state parks, 11 national forests, two national grasslands and over 350 state wildlife areas.

Colorado acquired a 19,200-acre ranch near Trinidad this year that, when it opens to the public, will be designated as the state’s 42nd state park.

“With so many outdoor spaces to explore and different types of recreation to enjoy, it is no wonder why Coloradans pride themselves on their outdoor lifestyle and highly value our public lands,” Ackerman said.

On National Public Lands Day, entrance is free to all national parks, but Colorado State Parks still require an annual or daily parks pass.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife urged participants of National Public Lands Day to respect seasonal trail closures, not walk on vegetation, properly distinguish campfires and not touch or feed wildlife.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife also encouraged people to follow the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principles:

• Know before you go
• Stick to trails
• Trash your trash
• Leave it as you find it
• Be careful with fire
• Keep wildlife wild
• Share our trails and parks