National Public Lands Day

Save the Date

National Public Lands Day will be held on September 28, 2024. 

National public lands day 2023

a group of volunteers stands around a pile of collected trash on National Public Lands Day
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Hand holds plant with dirt

NPLD 2023 Impact

Explore the highlights of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day, where 40,000 volunteers across 600 events made a lasting impact on America's public lands, from a natural history lesson at Boston Harbor Islands to a coastal clean-up in Monterey Bay.

Thanks to all who were part of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) celebrations on September 23, 2023!

Across the country, we celebrated NPLD's 30 Years of Care and Community for our public lands. From humble beginnings with one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, NPLD has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands.

As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, educating and cultivating environmental stewards. It's also a Fee-Free Day where entrance fees are waived at national parks and public lands. With support from federal and state agencies, corporate sponsors, and nonprofits, NPLD ensures resilient natural spaces for generations to come, encouraging volunteering and environmental engagement.

 

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NPLD volunteers pose for a group photo
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Host an NPLD Event

Register your event and find tools to organize and promote it.

Learn More

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Volunteer

See how you can make an impact in your community on NPLD.

Join an Event

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Find an NPLD Event

Use our interactive map to find your registered NPLD event.

See Events

NPLD history & impact in the last decade

The inaugural National Public Lands Day, originally known as "Public Lands Appreciation Day," took place on July 30, 1994...Read more about the history of NPLD

1,000,000
Volunteers
5,000,000
Volunteer Hours
$
133,000,000
Value of Volunteer Service
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NPLD Promotional Toolkit

Get the word out about National Public Lands Day effortlessly with our ready-to-share content.

MOre Resources to Promote and Welcome

Two young women signing up for an NPLD volunteer event
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Webinar Recording

Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers for National Public Lands Day Events: Strategies for Success

Our experts from Texas A&M University, BLM, and Saguaro Park discuss effective strategies for recruiting and engaging volunteers for National Public Lands Day events.

Día Nacional de Tierras Públicas

El Día Nacional de Tierras Públicas de la Fundación Nacional de Educación Ambiental (NEEF) es el mayor evento...

Spread the Word: Promoting Your NPLD Event

In this webinar, our expert panelists share tips and best practices to understand the most effective...

Engaging Spanish-speaking Communities in the Outdoors

Part of the Nature for All Webinar Series, Felipe Benitez, Executive Director & Founder of Corazón Latino...

A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

Land acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and...

NPLD iNaturalist Project

Take part in NEEF's NPLD BioBlitz with the iNaturalist app at your NPLD event.

WHY WE NPLD

From majestic mountains to sprawling forests, public lands provide a chance for us to connect with nature, explore our country's rich history, and enjoy endless recreational and educational opportunities. By hosting an NPLD volunteer event, you'll be joining a nationwide effort to preserve and protect our natural spaces ensuring that they remain a vital part of our communities.

Connecting on National Public Lands Day
EE and Mental Health on Public Lands

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, over 50,000 volunteers participated in community events to help restore and improve public lands across the country as part of the 29th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD).

Engaging Youth on National Public Lands Day
Partners in Conservation

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Riverview Park teamed up for a Day of Service in honor of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) and the SCA alumni event.

impact on national Public Lands Day

Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.

In addition to providing support to NPLD event organizers, NEEF conducts surveys and compiles post-event data, resulting in valuable metrics and nationwide impact figures that demonstrate the positive results of NPLD.

NPLD 2023 Impact

This year marked the 30th annual NPLD and organizers made the most of it. Volunteers participated in almost 600 events across the country, featuring some of America’s most memorable and unique locations—a natural history lesson at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, a coastal clean-up in Monterrey Bay, the removal of invasive species at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

43,460
Volunteers
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Get to Know NPLD
National Public Lands Day

Who participates in NPLD? What do volunteers do? These questions and more are answered.

 

 

National Public Lands Federal Partners

National Park Service
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National Park Service Logo
US Department of Interior Bureau of Reclaimation
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US Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclaimation
Toyota
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US Army Corps of Engineers logo
US Fish and Wildlife Service
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US Fish and Wildlife Service Logo
USDA Forest Service
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USDA Forest Service logo
NOAA logo
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NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Bureau of Land Management
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Bureau of Land Management Logo

National Public Lands Day Corporate Sponsors

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Toyota Logo

 

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Groundswell logo

SUPPORT NPLD

Thank you for considering sponsoring National Public Lands Day! Join us in making a difference and showcase your commitment to environmental and community impact.

Become an Employee Engagement Sponsor

Energize your workforce and give back to the community with our Employee Engagement Sponsorship, which includes a special "day of service" activity tailored to your CSR goals. 

Become an NPLD Sponsor 

Make a meaningful impact and inspire others to get involved by sponsoring National Public Lands Day. Your support will help us make this exciting event a success!

 

Talk To Our Team

Resources

More Than a Clean Up: Adding Variety to Your NPLD Event

In this webinar, you'll get tips on how to incorporate other stewardship activities into your NPLD event -...

How to Make Your National Public Lands Day Event Accessible to All  

We've gathered some tips on how to make your NPLD event more inclusive.

How to Host a Successful National Public Lands Day Event

Friends of Herring Run Parks shares ten tips to help organizations host a successful National Public Lands Day...

NPLD Stories

NPLD Champion Protects Endangered Species at Military Installations with Help from Volunteers

Allowing volunteers to be directly involved with real conservation biology creates a ripple effect that...

Find Out Why One Couple Traded a Traditional Wedding for National Public Lands Day

When most people think of a wedding reception they think of crystal glasses, speeches, and catered food. Beth...

National Public Lands Day Signature Event Takes Viewers on a Virtual, Musical Tour of Select National Parks

For the past 26 years, hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the US have donated their time to help...

 

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