Conservation

Public Lands Engagement

Making the environment accessible, relatable, and relevant

ConnectinG PeoPle To Public Lands

People protect what they know. By making public lands accessible to everyone, and utilizing them for a variety of purposes, more people will come to know and protect our shared natural resources. See how NEEF makes a difference through public lands engagement.

 

Register for the Engagement Guides

NEEF's engagement guides were developed in partnership with the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service, and cover key strategies for planning and executing successful environmental education and health and wellness events on public lands of all types and sizes.

Filled with real-world examples, tips from experts, featured resources, and other tools, they will help you integrate health and education activities and concepts into your next community engagement event.

Learn more and register below.

 

National Park Service Logo, NEEF Logo and USDA Forest Service Logo
Accessibility
Overjoyed young man with prosthesis trying Nordic walking

This guide promotes accessibility in public land spaces, covering the built environment, innovative events, and recommendations for inclusive experiences.

  • Examples of universal design on public lands
  • Tips to Improve accessibility in online and printed materials
  • Examples of creating a welcoming culture at your outdoor events
     
Health & Wellness
a group does yoga in the outdoors

This guide promotes high-quality health and wellness activities at community events, covering various activities with best practices, lessons learned, and success tips.

  • Develop effective messaging around your event 
  • Find the best activity types for your park or greenspace
  • Learn how gateway activities promote better health and community connections
Environmental Education
three middle school students with magnifying glass raise their hands while sitting outside for environmental education on public lands

This guide offers practical tips for adding environmental education to public engagement events, with suggested activities to enhance the experience. 

  • Learn how to frame your activities to increase participant comprehension and enjoyment
  • See examples of successful activities and lessons learned
  • Discover environmental education games you can implement immediately

Register for Your Free Copies:

 

 

 

Collage of NEEF Engagement Guides
Collage of NEEF Engagement guides

Finding Opportunities on Public Lands

People protect what they know. By making public lands accessible to everyone, and utilizing them for a variety of purposes, more people will come to know and protect our shared natural resources. See how NEEF makes a difference through public lands engagement.

Three young women pose for a photo holding a large bag of invasive plants they've removed from a local habitat.
Read more

Together for Tomorrow: Inspiring Environmental Connection in Youth through Outdoor Exploration and Service

This webinar offers valuable insights on hosting impactful National Public Lands Day events for youth. It...

painting of mountains
Read more

Raising Environmental Awareness Through Art

An Artistic Legacy Artists have long found inspiration from our public lands. And art has brought the beauty...

A woman shows a young girl how to perform a water quality monitoring activity at an NPLD volunteer event. Several young people are working on the project at a table in the background.
Read more

How to Create More Inclusive Volunteer Experiences on Public Lands

NEEF and NPS share lessons learned from the 2024 Points of Light Conference to make volunteer events like...