WASHINGTON, DC—National Public Lands Day is coming up on Sept. 24, 2022. Held annually as the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, NPLD is a great way to celebrate and care for our nation’s forests and grasslands. In 2021, the Forest Service welcomed 8,211 volunteers, who donated 32,844 hours through NPLD. This donated time is valued at nearly $1 million.

Reminder: Register your site on the NEEF website before Aug. 5 to guarantee Fee Free Coupons for your participants.

This year’s theme, Giving Back Together, recognizes and celebrates the valuable role our public lands played during the COVID-19 pandemic—enhancing our physical and mental well-being during a challenging time. By Giving Back Together, we can return the favor collectively through this high profile, well-supported event.

NPLD provides a great opportunity to forge new relationships in your community, attract new visitors to your site, serve critical environmental needs and provide a service to your community. Past events have included planting trees and vegetation, building and refurbishing trails, removing trash and invasive plants, repairing bridges, restoring historic structures, monitoring endangered species, and restoring wildlife habitats. Events have included hands-on presentations and demonstrations and have attracted new partnerships with a variety of community groups.

For additional resources, including talking points and graphics, visit the National Environmental Education website to access NPLD information and resources. The foundation coordinates National Public Lands Day. Please reach out to Karley O’Connor (karley.o’connor@usda.gov) or Melissa Taggart (melissa.taggart@usda.gov) for support and questions.