National Public Lands Day
National public lands day 2023
Thanks to all who were part of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) celebrations on September 23, 2023!
Across the country, we celebrated NPLD's 30 Years of Care and Community for our public lands. From humble beginnings with one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, NPLD has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands.
As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, educating and cultivating environmental stewards. It's also a “Fee-Free Day” where entrance fees are waived at national parks and public lands. With support from federal and state agencies, corporate sponsors, and nonprofits, NPLD ensures resilient natural spaces for generations to come, encouraging volunteering and environmental engagement.
NPLD events are still happening, make sure to check NEEF's NPLD map!
NPLD history & impact in the last decade
The inaugural National Public Lands Day, originally known as "Public Lands Appreciation Day," took place on July 30, 1994...Read more about the history of NPLD
Get the word out about National Public Lands Day effortlessly with our ready-to-share content.
MOre Resources to Promote and Welcome
Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers for National Public Lands Day Events: Strategies for Success
Our experts from Texas A&M University, BLM, and Saguaro Park discuss effective strategies for recruiting and engaging volunteers for National Public Lands Day events.
Día Nacional de Tierras Públicas
El Día Nacional de Tierras Públicas de la Fundación Nacional de Educación Ambiental (NEEF) es el mayor evento...
Spread the Word: Promoting Your NPLD Event
In this webinar, our expert panelists share tips and best practices to understand the most effective...
Engaging Spanish-speaking Communities in the Outdoors
Part of the Nature for All Webinar Series, Felipe Benitez, Executive Director & Founder of Corazón Latino...
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
Land acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and...
NPLD iNaturalist Project
Take part in NEEF's NPLD BioBlitz with the iNaturalist app at your NPLD event.
WHY WE NPLD
From majestic mountains to sprawling forests, public lands provide a chance for us to connect with nature, explore our country's rich history, and enjoy endless recreational and educational opportunities. By hosting an NPLD volunteer event, you'll be joining a nationwide effort to preserve and protect our natural spaces ensuring that they remain a vital part of our communities.
On Saturday, September 24, 2022, over 50,000 volunteers participated in community events to help restore and improve public lands across the country as part of the 29th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD).
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Riverview Park teamed up for a Day of Service in honor of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) and the SCA alumni event.
impact on national Public Lands Day
Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.
In addition to providing support to NPLD event organizers, NEEF conducts surveys and compiles post-event data, resulting in valuable metrics and nationwide impact figures that demonstrate the positive results of NPLD.
We are still recovering from the extraordinary period of the last two years. The 2022 impact numbers indicate a gradual return to group volunteering activities.
Who participates in NPLD? What do volunteers do? These questions and more are answered.
National Public Lands Federal Partners
National Public Lands Day Corporate Sponsors
SUPPORT NPLD
Thank you for considering sponsoring National Public Lands Day! Join us in making a difference and showcase your commitment to environmental and community impact.
Become an Employee Engagement Sponsor
Energize your workforce and give back to the community with our Employee Engagement Sponsorship, which includes a special "day of service" activity tailored to your CSR goals.
Become an NPLD Sponsor
Make a meaningful impact and inspire others to get involved by sponsoring National Public Lands Day. Your support will help us make this exciting event a success!
Resources
More Than a Clean Up: Adding Variety to Your NPLD Event
In this webinar, you'll get tips on how to incorporate other stewardship activities into your NPLD event -...
How to Make Your National Public Lands Day Event Accessible to All
We've gathered some tips on how to make your NPLD event more inclusive.
How to Host a Successful National Public Lands Day Event
Friends of Herring Run Parks shares ten tips to help organizations host a successful National Public Lands Day...
NPLD Stories
Find Out Why One Couple Traded a Traditional Wedding for National Public Lands Day
When most people think of a wedding reception they think of crystal glasses, speeches, and catered food. Beth...
South Texas Wildlife Refuge Paints a Pretty Picture of a Virtual NPLD Event
See how creative virtual volunteering boosted attendance for this non-profit's NPLD event.
National Public Lands Day Signature Event Takes Viewers on a Virtual, Musical Tour of Select National Parks
For the past 26 years, hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the US have donated their time to help...
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