WASHINGTON, DC—In late September, communities across the country took part in National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort, to celebrate the connection between people and the public green spaces in their communities. National forests and grasslands saw a record 11,539 volunteers at sites across the country, representing the greatest number of volunteers of all federal agencies who participated, and a nearly 30% increase from last year.

Each year, National Environmental Education Foundations takes time to provide the agency with information about work accomplished nationwide.

In forests and grasslands across the country, volunteers participated in direct conservation, such as trail maintenance and invasive species removal, while learning about forest ecology and stewardship. This year, volunteers restored more than 4,400 acres of trails, removed 8,730 square feet of invasive species and collected nearly 30,000 pounds of trash.

“National Public Lands Day provided a wonderful opportunity to connect new communities across the country to our mission,” said Acting Director Heidi McAllister, Conservation Education. “Nearly 300 sites across the country engaged people in meaningful ways to connect with their public lands: building awareness and ownership of their health and sustainability.”

To learn more about National Public Lands Day, visit National Public Lands Day | NEEF. And save the date for next year’s event! NPLD 2023 is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2023.

National Public Lands Day 2022 by the numbers

• Total acres restored or maintained: 4,436.8
• Total square feet of invasive species removed: 8,730
• Total pounds of trash collected: 28,598
• Total miles of trail restored or maintained: 486.8
• Total miles of waterway restored or maintained: 19.3
• Total pieces of infrastructure built or maintained: 77.5