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National Public Lands Day

Join us in celebrating National Public Lands Day by exploring and preserving the beautiful natural spaces that are open for all to enjoy.
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Cause
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United States
Introduction

Get ready to appreciate and protect the beautiful public lands that make up our country on National Public Lands Day, which occurs on the last Saturday of September. This day has been celebrated since 1994 and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations. From national parks and forests to local community gardens and green spaces, there are countless ways to get involved in this meaningful holiday. So grab your friends and family, put on your hiking boots, and head out to explore and give back to nature!

History of National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day Dates

National Public Lands Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Public Lands Day inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) establishes National Public Lands Day as a day of volunteering and stewardship for public lands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Surpass of 100,000 Volunteers</div><div class='timeline-text'>For the first time, over 100,000 volunteers turned out to work on a variety of projects nationwide, enhancing public lands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Public Lands Day Fee-Free Policy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The President and Congress pass a law stating federal agencies are to waive entrance fees for National Public Lands Day, making it more accessible.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Public-Private Partnership Growth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Toyota partners with NEEF to support National Public Lands Day, marking the start of a growing trend of public-private partnerships for the day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Largest Number of Volunteers Recorded</div><div class='timeline-text'>More than 200,000 volunteers nationwide turn out for the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day, setting a new record.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Public Lands Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local park or trail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend National Public Lands Day giving back to the community by volunteering at a local park or trail. You can help with trail maintenance, planting trees, or cleaning up litter.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a hike or nature walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate the beauty of public lands by going on a hike or nature walk. Take in the sights and sounds of nature while appreciating the importance of preserving these lands for future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a picnic in a park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family and plan a picnic in a park. Enjoy the great outdoors while also showing your support for public lands.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a public land-related event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events calendar for any public land-related events happening on National Public Lands Day. This could be a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of these lands and how to protect them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your favorite public land memory on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the hashtag #NationalPublicLandsDay to share your favorite memories and photos from public lands. This is a great way to spread awareness and appreciation for these important spaces.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Public Lands Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to appreciate our public lands</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the beauty of our country's public lands and appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining them. These lands provide us with recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, and natural resources - so let's show them some love!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to give back</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Public Lands Day is also a day to give back to our public lands. You can participate in volunteer events, cleanups, or donate to organizations that work towards preserving and maintaining these important spaces. It's a great way to make a positive impact on our environment and communities!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time to connect with nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for our mental and physical well-being. On National Public Lands Day, take the opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in the beauty of our public lands. Whether it's hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic, being in nature can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts for National Public Lands Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Public Lands Day is the Largest Single-Day Volunteer Event for Public Lands in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>This day of public service emphasizes the value of public lands for the American community and encourages shared stewardship. Thousands participate in volunteer efforts to refurbish and restore public parks, trails, and other icons each year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Public Lands Make up About a Third of the Land in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>Public lands encompass over 640 million acres, which consists of national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, grasslands, and more. These areas are important contributors to local economies and preservation of native species' habitats.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>U.S. Public Lands are Managed by Five Federal Agencies</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Public Lands Day recognizes and celebrates the work of five agencies: Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and NOAA.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Lands Provide Recreation for More Than 500 Million Visitors Each Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>The sheer beauty and accessibility of the lands have made them major attractions, drawing visitors from around the world engaged in a wide range of activities— from hiking to camping to photography and wildlife watching.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Lands Sequester Carbon, Protect Ecosystems and Biodiversity</h3><p class='facts-content'>They absorb carbon from the atmosphere, help protect against climate change while providing habitats to thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered or unique to these landscapes.</p></div></div>

National Public Lands Day FAQs

When is National Public Lands Day?

National Public Lands Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Sep 30

Saturday

2024

Sep 28

Saturday

2025

Sep 27

Saturday

2026

Sep 26

Saturday

2027

Sep 25

Saturday

Cause Holidays