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Public Lands Engagement
Public lands provide the perfect place for connecting to and caring for our shared natural resources
Public Lands, Past and Present
The Key Roles of America’s Federal Public Land Agencies
Explore the origins and unique missions of US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park...
Honoring the Indigenous Heritage of Public Lands
Discover Indigenous stories in national parks, exploring the rich history behind place names. Join the journey...
Are We Loving our Public Lands to Death?
Record visitation to America's parks means being a good steward is more important than ever. On November 18...
NEEF's Engagement Guides, developed with the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service, provide strategies for successful events on public lands of all types, covering environmental education, health and wellness, and accessibility.
Getting Outdoors with Friends and Family
Getting outdoors with friends and family deepens social connection and spending time outside has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood.
Discover Safe and Fun Public Lands Adventures with Your Dog
We share some tips on how to go hiking with your dog and the benefits of enrolling them in the BARK Ranger program.
Take a Hike with Your Kids on National Trails Day
National Trails Day is the first Saturday in June and provides the perfect opportunity to go hiking with your...
How To Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Outdoor Gear
July is National Park and Recreation Month—a time to celebrate the benefits of your local parks and favorite...
Discover a New Trail for National Take a Hike Day
NEEF staffers share their favorite hiking trails on America's public lands to commemorate National Take a Hike...
Enjoy the Health Benefits of the Outdoors at Any Age
Seniors can benefit from outdoor activity and it doesn't have to be extreme. Participating in a yoga class in...
Fee Free Days Provide Free Admission to National Parks and More
Check out the Federal fee-free days for 2024, when entrance fees for public lands are waived across the...
NPLD is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands and brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.
Careers on Public Lands
Outdoor careers such as park rangers, landscape architects, and environmental scientists can offer fulfilling work, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to positively impact the environment.
Explore Outdoor Careers on Public Lands
Is an Outdoor Career for You? If you have a passion for the environment and want to protect it for the next...
How One NEEF Grant Kickstarted an Idaho Student’s STEM Career
Abella Cathey's journey from One Stone School to Boise State University showcases the power of hands-on...
How Lorena Williams' Firefighting Career Took Her to New Heights
We talk to Lorena Williams, a wildland firefighter about her career path and experiences. She gives K-12...
Volunteering, Learning, and Enjoying Public Lands
Spending time together outdoors fosters a sense of community involvement and stewardship towards the environment, while also providing opportunities for personal growth and education through experiential learning.
How to Find Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities
Have some free time this summer? Get outside and volunteer at the national, state, or community park near you...
Tips for Organizing a Beach Clean-Up
Headed to the beach this summer for some sun and surf? Make sure it's a safe, healthy place to visit by...
Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be Volunteering on Public Lands
Transform your summer break into a family volunteer vacation on public lands—bond through trail maintenance...
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...
Community Cleanup Activity Guide
This quick how-to guide will get you started with everything you need to conduct a community cleanup to help...
Apps for Environmental Education and Outdoor Activity
Are you looking for more ways to incorporate technology into your classroom? How about apps that can help you get outside for learning and better health? Check out our suggestions.
Meaningful, lasting change is possible when we work together. NEEF leverages its National Environmental Education Act (NEEA) appropriation to raise public and private matching funds at a ratio of 3:1, creating value and amplifying the impact of our partners
Public Lands for All
At NEEF, we partner with public lands groups, environmental organizations, local communities, and others who share our mission of making the environment more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Showing Pride in our National Parks
Mikah Meyer shares his unique journey visiting all 419 US National Park sites. Explore the healing aspects of...
Nature for All: Engaging Underrepresented Communities in the Outdoors
In an effort to diversify the types of audiences engaged during the annual National Public Lands Day...
Increasing Accessibility Makes the Outdoors Open for All
July 26 marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has made a huge impact for...
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
Land acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and...
