Registration is now officially open for volunteer events at the 31st annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD), which will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
A signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America's public lands. NPLD brings together individuals, families, and community groups to help restore, improve, and enjoy our country's treasured outdoor spaces. Over the last decade, over one million volunteers have donated nearly 5 million hours of their time for public lands on NPLD, worth an estimated $133 million.
NEEF invites those planning to host volunteer events this year to register on the official NPLD event map at NEEFusa.org/NPLD, ensuring they will be counted among the tens of thousands joining the nationwide celebration this September.
NPLD Volunteers Joining “Together for Tomorrow”
The theme for NPLD 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow.” This year, an estimated 45,000 participants will work together to ensure the longevity of their local outdoor spaces while fostering environmental stewardship among youth and their communities. 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.
“For over three decades, National Public Lands Day has been integral to NEEF's mission of fostering a sustainable future,” said Sara Espinoza, president and CEO of NEEF. "By uniting communities nationwide in celebration and stewardship of our public lands, NEEF continues to champion their conservation and vitality—for today and for generations to come."
A Showcase for America’s Public Lands
NPLD is more than just a clean-up. It’s a chance for people to connect with their communities, fostering a kinship found among those working together for the greater good. It’s an opportunity to establish deep, meaningful connections for youth with nature by providing positive experiences outdoors. Most importantly, it’s a showcase for America’s public lands and their capacity to provide education, recreation, and overall benefits to physical and mental health.
The Forest Service is a proud supporter of National Public Lands Day in recognition of its power to educate and engage people of all ages and demographics in environmental stewardship.
Dr. Kimberly Winter, director of conservation education, USDA Forest Service
Volunteer activities are expected to take place at hundreds of locations across the country, from state and local parks to land managed by federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and USDA Forest Service.
“National Public Lands Day is more than a day-long celebration—it’s an opportunity for communities across the nation to unite in service and enjoyment of our public lands,” said Dr. Kimberly Winter, director of conservation education at the USDA Forest Service. “The Forest Service is a proud supporter of National Public Lands Day in recognition of its power to educate and engage people of all ages and demographics in environmental stewardship.”
National Public Lands Day festivities will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024. For more information on NPLD 2024 and to register your volunteer event, visit NEEFusa.org/NPLD.