Come join us on September 26, 2026, as we celebrate National Public Lands Day at Philpott Lake! We will spend the day caring for our lake by collecting litter along the shoreline and doing a bit of trail maintenance on the Laurel Ridge Trail. 

Please note that Salthouse Branch Park is closing for park maintenance on September 21. Park gates will be open only for the National Public Lands Day event, and all vehicles must be out of the park by 4:00 pm, at which time the gates will be closed and locked. 

Litter cleanup will be done by land and water. Trash pickers and bags will be provided, or you can bring your own. If you go out by boat, be sure to have all required safety equipment for your vessel, including properly fitted life jackets for everyone aboard.

Please bring all bagged litter back to Salthouse Branch Park, where Rangers can see that it gets disposed of properly. If an item is too heavy or large to carry, you can document its location, and Philpott staff can pick it up later. We want everyone to be safe out there!

Laurel Ridge Trail maintenance will consist of clearing brushy vegetation and packing out any litter along the trail. For a trail guide, please follow this link: https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/Philpott/Recreation/Trails/Laurel-Ridge-Trail/

We will also have educational presentations with hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. 

Be sure to bring water, sturdy closed-toe shoes, work gloves, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. 

Pre-registration is recommended. To register, please call the Philpott Lake Visitor Center at 276-629-2703 or email lisa.j.bredl@usace.army.mil.