National Public Lands Day 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 the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. This year, National Public Lands Day falls on September 27, 2025.

Meet up and team up at the Gateway Arch to help clean up the St. Louis Riverfront!

Nine billion tons of trash end up in the ocean every year. In fact, the Mighty Mississippi River is one of the largest sources of oceanic plastic debris. But with YOUR help, we can minimize our environmental footprint by collecting riverside trash and keeping the riverfront clean.

Gateway Arch National Park, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Beyond Plastics, Republic Services, Missouri Stream Team, Great Rivers Greenway, Living Lands & Waters, the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation, and the City of St. Louis have partnered to organize a community trash pick-up event on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. - noon. Recruit your friends and family members and join us in lending a helping hand and cleaning up the riverfront!

All volunteers will receive materials to help them stay safe such as litter pickers (limited supply), trash bags, and gloves.

After the clean-up, explore the park and enjoy a day full of service projects and fun events for the whole family to celebrate National Public Lands Day!

Note: There is no required uniform. Please dress for the appropriate weather and wear close-toe shoes.

Parking instructions will be provided in the email reminder 1 day before the event.