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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...

Woman hiking on large rock in the west
Free Resources
Public Lands Engagement Guides

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.

dogs in national parks
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Golden Retriever or Yellow Lab walking
Spotlight Story

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...

Volunteer Opportunity
Join us for National Public Lands Day (NPLD)!

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.

a diverse group of volunteers plants a tree seedling
A woman drills a screw into a new boardwalk as part of an employee engagement activity on National Public Lands Day.
Young woman with gloves smiling and removing weeds

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...

Teacher and students using a tablet
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Announcement on a phone that has a like
There's an app for that

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.

Amplify your Impact with NEEF

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...

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