National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort on behalf of public lands in the U.S. Over 170,000 volunteers are expected to pitch in at more than 2,100 public sites in every state this Saturday, Sept. 29th.
Public and community parks, gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves and forests will host volunteers and visitors who come to appreciate, improve and restore these vital public spaces. The shared stewardship of public lands and our natural heritage is celebrated this day.
Many sites have volunteer programs and hands-on activities organized. To find a volunteer site visit NPLD Find a Site.
NPLD’s 2011 event contributed an impressive, estimated $17 million in volunteer services to public lands nationwide, according to the National Environmental Education Foundation. Approximately 100,000 trees, shrubs and native plants were planted, about 1,500 miles of trails were built and tended, and an estimated 500 tons of trash were removed from recreation sites.
Many national parks and federal public land sites offer free entry for visitors to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Consider connecting with nature to volunteer or simply to appreciate our public lands on this important day.
For More Information:
Parks Participating in Free Entrance Day
To find public lands near you visit Recreation.gov
