Registration is now officially open for volunteer events for the 32nd annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD), which will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
A signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America's public lands, bringing together individuals, families, and communities to help restore, improve, and enjoy our country's treasured outdoor spaces. Last year, over 50,000 participants across all 50 states came together for National Public Lands Day, contributing to more than 750 volunteer events and generating over $10 million in volunteer service value for our nation’s natural spaces.
NEEF invites those planning to host volunteer events this year to register your NPLD event on the official NPLD event map. This will ensure they are counted among the hundreds of other volunteer events happening during the nationwide celebration this September.
To help organizers make the most of their events, NEEF will host a free webinar on July 29 at 3 p.m. ET. This event will feature expert guidance on recruiting volunteers, building community partnerships, and planning engaging events using low-cost tools and real-world strategies. Attendees will learn practical techniques to strengthen outreach and maximize their impact.
NPLD Volunteers Caring for “Our Home Outdoors”
Our public lands are more than just places to visit—they are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. From the trails we hike to the parks where we gather with family and friends, these spaces are our collective backyard, our shared front porch, our natural playground.
This year’s NPLD theme, "Our Home Outdoors," is a reminder that these lands are not just physical spaces. They are where communities come together to connect and develop a sense of place. Whether it’s a neighborhood park, nearby state park, or one of our country’s iconic public lands, caring for these spaces is our shared responsibility. By joining us this National Public Lands Day 2025, you will help protect the lands that keep us grounded, inspire us, and shape our sense of community.
“For over three decades, National Public Lands Day has been a testament to the power of collective action by supporting the people who care for our public lands and fostering a deeper sense of community through shared connection to the natural spaces that shape our lives,” said Sara Espinoza, president and CEO of NEEF.
Spotlight on the Artist Behind This Year’s Theme
This year’s “Our Home Outdoors” theme is brought to life through the vibrant illustration of Lindsay “Bones” Cordero, a Washington, DC-based artist, author-illustrator, and creative entrepreneur. Cordero is a US Air Force veteran whose journey from national security to storytelling through art is rooted in a deep commitment to mental health, literacy, and conservation. As the 2023 Veterans Day Google Doodle guest artist—the first veteran of Hispanic heritage to receive that honor—she uses her platform to inspire belonging, connection, and purpose.
“Stepping away from active duty to pursue art full-time was a leap of faith,” said Cordero. “But I knew that through creativity, I could continue to serve—by helping people feel seen, grounded, and hopeful.”
Her work for this year’s NPLD captures the spirit of togetherness and care that public lands inspire in people, reminding us that our outdoor spaces are more than scenic landscapes—they are places where community, culture, and stewardship thrive.
A Showcase for America’s Public Lands
National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it’s a chance to build community, connect youth with nature, and highlight the educational, recreational, and health benefits of our public lands. Volunteer events will take place nationwide at parks and public lands managed by local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and USDA Forest Service.
National Public Lands Day festivities will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025. For more information on this year’s celebration and to register your volunteer event, visit NEEFusa.org/NPLD.