National Public Lands Day
National public lands day is September 28, 2024
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort 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. Held on the fourth Saturday in September each year, NPLD is 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, this event ensures resilient natural spaces for generations to come, encouraging volunteering and environmental engagement.
The theme for NPLD 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow.” From trail maintenance to tree planting, beach clean-ups to forest bathing, and more, volunteers of all ages and abilities will roll up their sleeves and join forces for a common goal—stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
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.
NPLD Guides and Toolkits
NPLD Site Manager Guide
This guide supports new and returning site managers in planning and executing successful NPLD 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...
Public Lands Engagement Guides
NEEF's engagement guides cover key strategies for planning and executing successful environmental education...
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 Educational Activities
NPLD iNaturalist Project
Take part in NEEF's NPLD BioBlitz with the iNaturalist app at your NPLD event.
Invasive Species Activity for NPLD
Invasive species of plants are found in every part of the country. For many National Public Lands Day events...
What is Biodiversity? Activity Guide
This activity guide teaches students about the important role biodiversity plays in the well-being of people...
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.
NEEF joined National Park Service Director Chuck Sams III, NPS staff, and local volunteers for an NPLD Signature Event at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Riverview Park teamed up for a Day of Service and SCA alumni event in honor of National Public Lands Day.
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.
This year marked the 30th annual NPLD and organizers made the most of it. Volunteers participated in almost 600 events across the country, featuring some of America’s most memorable and unique locations—a natural history lesson at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, a coastal clean-up in Monterrey Bay, the removal of invasive species at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Who participates in NPLD? What do volunteers do? These questions and more are answered.
National Public Lands Federal Partners
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
NPLD Champion Protects Endangered Species at Military Installations with Help from Volunteers
Allowing volunteers to be directly involved with real conservation biology creates a ripple effect that...
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...
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...
Stay Updated
Sign up for our email alerts to stay up to date on National Public Lands Day deadlines and be the first to know about new resources