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On November 11, 2017, Americans will honor veterans and military families for their dedication to this country. To recognize those who have served, the Department of the Interior and land management agencies across the country are offering free admission to public lands that charge an entrance fee.

Here are 5 Ways You Can Honor Veterans on Public Lands this November:

• Take a Walk Through the Redwoods National Tribute Grove in Northern CA

  The National Tribute Grove in the Redwood National and State Parks in northern California contains 5,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest and acts as a “living memorial” for veterans. The grove was dedicated in 1949 to honor the men and women who served in America’s Armed Forces during World War II and was rededicated in 2014. Take a walk in this grove, located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and stop by the Visitor Center where veterans can sign-up for guided hikes through the National Park Service-led Veterans in Parks program.
  
  
  
  

• Listen to Veteran Stories at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington D.C.

  Eastern National, a nonprofit partner for National Parks and public trusts, hosts a Storytelling event each Veterans Day at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington D.C. to honor women who served during the Vietnam era. Hear stories from those who served during the era, those who have served in more recent conflicts, and those focusing on issues that affect veterans today.
  
  
  
  

• Attend a Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at Valley Forge in Southeast Pennsylvania

  On November 11, Valley Forge National Historical Park will commemorate the legacy of the Continental Army and will honor all of America’s military, past and present, with special events throughout the day. Join the park and the Friends Group, Valley Forge Park Alliance for trolley tours, presentations and an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony where the park will induct several new recruits into the United States Military.

  
  
  
  

• Learn How Veterans and Active Military Are Preserving National Forests and Grasslands in Nebraska

  Through a US Forest Service partnership with the Student Conservation Association, military veterans and a current member of the US Army Reserve have been working on forest protection and restoration projects in the Pine Ridge Ranger District. This is just one example of the ways in which agencies and nonprofits partner together to connect veterans with public lands. To learn about more opportunities for veterans at a national level, check out the Student Conservation’s webpage on veteran opportunities.
  
  
  
  

• Learn How Veterans Continue to Serve Nationwide

  Did you know that one in five employees of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a veteran? These men and women bring their experience, leadership, integrity, teamwork and dedication to this land management agency and continue to serve as stewards of our nation’s public lands. Meet the military veterans who serve through employment with the BLM.
  
  
  
  

Celebrate Veterans and Military Families throughout November

In addition to honoring Veterans Day on November 11, the entire month of November is also a time to recognize veterans, active military and military families for their service. As a national organization representing the nonprofit partners of America's public lands, the Public Lands Alliance encourages you to attend veteran events this month, to thank veterans for their service and to celebrate their dedication all month long. A few ways you can learn more about veteran events and veteran service to public lands are to visit the National Park Service American Military page, the USDA's Veterans page and the U.S Department of the Interior's Resources for Veterans.