Volunteer cleanup days will be held in a number of parks this year, but one of the most ambitious is scheduled for five days next week at Yosemite National Park. "Yosemite Facelift" will be held September 23-27, and anyone who participates is eligible for some "thank you" perks in addition to the satisfaction of a job well done.

"Yosemite Facelift" is an annual event organized by the non-profit Yosemite Climbing Association "to help clean up the park after the long and busy summer season." This is sixth year for this well-organized activity; last year, over 2,021 volunteers donated 16,168 hours and collected 41,631 pounds of trash. What should volunteers expect if they want to help?

Participants will pick up litter at various locations in the park, including on roadways, in the river corridor, on trails, near climbing routes, and in parking, camping, and lodging areas. Events and presentations honoring Yosemite’s climbing history will be held throughout the weekend.

There's plenty for everyone to do September 23-27, but for those who want to make a serious effort toward cleaning up the park, this event offers the chance to go beyond picking up litter. Click here for some photos with impressive examples of items removed by volunteers during previous year's "Facelifts." The abandoned '51 Nash shown in the photo with this story is just one example.

If you'd like to help next week, here's what you need to know:

Interested volunteers should sign up at the booth in font of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. on days that they wish to participate. Crew leaders will be at the booth to organize work groups and hand out trash bags, gloves, and litter sticks. Trash must be returned to the booth by 5:00 pm to be weighed and sorted.

Each participant will receive a raffle ticket for every day they volunteer. The raffle will be held at the booth at 5:00 p.m. every day of the event. The reception [on Sunday evening, Spetember 27] will also include free drinks, food, and live music with the Jonathan McEuen Band.

Volunteers participating in the cleanup will receive free admission to the park. There are limited free camping sites still available for those participating in the cleanup. Please contact Ken Yager at YCA@inreach.com. Please include all names of those who wish to participate, as well as which nights during the event.

A schedule of events and more details are available on the Yosemite Climbing Association website. If you need additional information, contact Ken Yager at YCA@inreach.com.