Join the nationwide celebration of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on the fourth Saturday of September. This most extensive single-day volunteer effort for public lands, a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), unites individuals and communities to improve and enjoy our treasured outdoor spaces. Since 1994, NPLD has inspired millions to contribute to the preservation of America’s public lands, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
By participating in a volunteer event and practicing the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, you’ll help safeguard these vital resources for future generations and strengthen your community.
From volunteer trail work to community clean-ups—or simply by getting outside to appreciate nature—there are lots of ways to participate. Here are some of the organizations you can check for stewardship events near you this month:
- National Environmental Education Foundation has info on hosting NPLD events, opportunities for volunteers, and more.
- Hispanic Access Foundation hosts more than 300 events nationwide, starting on Sept. 13 and continuing throughout Latino Conservation Week.
- Volunteer.gov has a searchable index of NPLD events planned in federal, state, and local parks.
- Georgia’s Amicalola State Park will host a Leave No Trace Spotlight program on Sept. 26-27, including a naturalist talk and a volunteer stewardship project.
Many parks and natural areas offer free admission days on Sept. 27. We hope you will find some time to enjoy your world, contribute through volunteer stewardship, and protect nature with Leave No Trace.
