National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits.

Join the National Park Service (NPS) for NPLD at Camp Nelson National Monument on Saturday, September 26, 2026! Volunteers will assist park staff with the removal of downed vegetation at Fort Jones—a fully enclosed earthwork that anchored the Defenses at Camp Nelson at Hickman Creek during the Civil War.

All participants should meet NPS staff at the Visitor Center. From there, visitors will follow a vehicle caravan from the Visitor Center to the parking lot along Sugar Creek Road. We will then hike ¼ mile from the parking lot to Fort Jones then back once the work is complete.

Participants should wear long sleeves and pants and bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Working gloves and tools will be provided.