Thousands of volunteers will help restore public lands on National Public Lands Day

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Saturday, September 24, the largest single-day volunteer event for America’s public lands will be hosted by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), in collaboration with federal, state, and nonprofit partners.

This will be the 29th National Public Lands Day (NPLD) celebration.

Areas, where volunteers will be working, include national monuments, forests, recreation areas, seashores, wildlife refuges, historical sites, battlefields, and grasslands. Projects will include trail maintenance projects, park and river clean-ups, tree planting activities, invasive species removal projects, as well as hikes and other fun activities throughout the country, says NEEF.

According to NEEF, the theme for this year’s NPLD celebration is “Giving Back Together,” in honor of America’s public lands' role in bringing people together for recreation, socialization, and stewardship.

“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our country’s public lands acted as a safe haven for all Americans to gather with their friends and families,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, president and CEO of NEEF. “NPLD gives us an opportunity to return the favor. Along with our state and federal partners, we invite the public to join us in giving back to these spaces that have played such an important role in our lives.”

To find a volunteer site near you, click here.

NPLD is also Fee-Free Day, granting free admission for visitors at all national parks, as well as sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and other participating federal agencies.

“The National Park Service will host nearly 100 events on National Public Lands Day to encourage people to discover, visit and interact with their public lands,” said Shari Orr, National Park Service Volunteer Program Manager. “Our partnership with NEEF on this day of service helps us introduce people to national parks and the recreational, inspirational, and educational benefits they provide.”

To sign up as a volunteer, click here.