National Public Lands Day is a wonderful time to celebrate the joy and community that exists in stewardship of our National Parks. Volunteers are encouraged to come together with fellow outdoor recreation enthusiasts to foster the simple joy of dining al fresco in Shenandoah National Park. The humble picnic table is the centerpiece of a family cook-out and a welcome site for the weary hiker. The often used, but little considered, feat of engineering combines a chair and a table into a place of shared meals, reflection, relaxation, and laughter.

NPLD Volunteers in Shenandoah National Park will ask to pass the screwdriver instead of the mustard, but good times will be shared, nonetheless. Volunteers will work alongside National Park Service staff to assemble pre-fabricated picnic tables using a mix of power and analog hand tools.

Registration is required and space is limited. Please register by volunteer.gov application or by email to corrina_wendel@nps.gov. This project is not recommended for children under 13 years old. All volunteers 17 years old and younger must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. 

Where: Big Meadows Picnic Area 

When: 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, September 26

How to prepare: All volunteers must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants. No leggings or crocs, please. Layers are recommended. Bring a lunch, snacks, and at least 2 liters of water. All tools, personal protective equipment, and an entrance fee waiver will be provided. 

In addition to the service project, Shenandoah National Park Rangers will share programming to encourage visitors to build closer connections with public lands throughout the day. Dedicated Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Volunteers will share information about their work as stewards of hundreds of miles of trail in Shenandoah National Park and demonstrate the cross-cut saw which is a critical part of their work in designated Wilderness.