Save the Wakarusa Wetlands will observe National Prayer Day at sunrise Saturday at the Baker Wetlands, south of Lawrence.

The ceremony, in which participants will pray to preserve the wetlands from highway construction, is open to the public. Mike Smith, a Navajo, will lead the prayers, while Jeremy Shield will sing a song to greet the sun.

Organizers say the wetlands are sacred land, where American Indians historically gathered to act out forbidden rituals. Students from Haskell Indian Nations University also have used the land as an outdoor classroom to learn lessons about healing and other traditional knowledge.

In the event of severe weather, the observation will take place on Sunday.