National Public Lands Day (NPLD), held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, is the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States. While some of the events listed below are official NPLD events registered through the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), others are unique celebrations or service opportunities happening on public lands around the same time!
Whether you’re looking to join an official NPLD event or simply spend a day giving back to your favorite public lands, there are various ways to participate and show your love for these incredible spaces this week.
Colorado National Monument Association, Colorado
Pride Hike on the Canyon Rim Trail
Celebrate diversity, community, and nature with the Colorado National Monument Association’s (CNMA) first-ever Pride Hike, in partnership with Colorado West Pride. This scenic hike along the Canyon Rim Trail offers stunning canyon views and unique rock formations. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the park while fostering community connections. All are welcome to join for this morning of outdoor adventure, and as an added bonus, entry fees to the monument will be waived for NPLD!
Timucuan Parks Foundation, Florida
Talbot Tidewater Celebration
Celebrate NPLD with Timucuan Parks Foundation and a day full of activities at the Talbot Tidewater Celebration in Florida’s Talbot Islands State Parks. From guided hikes to canoe rides and even mock wildlife rescues, there’s something for everyone at this fun-filled event. Whether you’re birding, shark tooth collecting, or learning about dolphin rescues, this event offers plenty of ways to connect with nature and public lands.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Colorado
Volunteer in Rocky Mountain National Park
For those who love to get their hands dirty while making a meaningful impact, Rocky Mountain Conservancy invites volunteers to spend National Public Lands Day helping remove invasive plant species in Rocky Mountain National Park. Under the guidance of RMNP's biological science technician and “Weed Warriors” team lead, participants will learn how to identify and remove invasive plants that threaten the park’s ecosystem. This project is located in a highly visible area, meaning your efforts will make a noticeable difference to visitors and wildlife alike.
As a token of appreciation, full-day volunteers will receive a coupon for one free entry day to a participating public land site for future use.
Canyonlands Natural History Association, Utah
National Public Lands Day Celebration with Live Music
On Thursday, September 26th, Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) kicks off NPLD celebrations early at the Moab Information Center. Join the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other local organizations for live music from The Butch Cassidies, free swag, and a chance to learn about public lands stewardship. This festive event also features a variety of local partners, making it a fantastic opportunity to learn about conservation efforts in the region.
Friends of Panthertown, North Carolina
Volunteer Trail Workday & Trailhead Party
For those who love getting their hands dirty, Friends of Panthertown is hosting a volunteer trail workday in the stunning “Yosemite of the East.” Volunteers will help maintain trails, clean out check dams, and improve creekside paths. Afterward, celebrate with a fun trailhead party featuring grilled cheeses and beers. It’s a perfect blend of hard work and camaraderie, all in the name of public lands!
Public Lands Interpretive Association, Arizona
Kaibab Lake Cleanup
Join the Public Lands Interpretive Association’s Southwest Recreation team at Kaibab Lake Campground near Williams, Arizona, for a cleanup event! Volunteers will help pick up trash and remove invasive species, ensuring that the campground remains a pristine space for future visitors. With all supplies provided, this is a simple and impactful way to give back to public lands on NPLD. You can learn more and sign up here.
Joshua Tree National Park Association, California
Dark Sky Photography Workshop
For a peaceful, reflective way to celebrate, join the Joshua Tree National Park Association for a Dark Sky Photography workshop. Capture the breathtaking night skies of Joshua Tree National Park and hone your photography skills in an ADA-accessible workshop led by professional photographer Jon Norris. This leisurely event offers a unique way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty while celebrating NPLD.
Rim of the World Interpretive Association, California
Native Plant Sale
For plant lovers, the Rim of the World Interpretive Association is hosting a Native Plant Sale in partnership with San Bernardino National Forest. This sale offers a variety of native plants perfect for your garden, while supporting the conservation work of the association. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the work at Heaps Peak Arboretum, making it a win-win way to support local ecosystems.
Washington’s National Park Fund, Washington
Mount Rainier Volunteer Workday
Dive into trail maintenance, revegetation, and campground upkeep at Mount Rainier! Participants will help restore trails and vegetation across several key sites in the park, contributing to the long-term preservation of this iconic national treasure. This NPLD event is hosted by the National Park Service, with support from Washington's National Park Fund (WNPF). WNPF funds relegation, trail work, and two-thirds of the volunteer programs at Mount Rainier National Park so that important projects like these can happen!
Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Plein Air Smokies Art Sale
For those looking for a more artistic way to celebrate NPLD, check out the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Plein Air Smokies event. Nationally acclaimed artists will be painting outdoors in the park throughout the week, culminating in a public art sale and Quick Draw competition. Support the park and take home a beautiful piece of art as a reminder of the importance of our public lands.
Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Invasive Species Removal
Join the efforts to protect Hawai‘i’s native flora by volunteering to remove invasive species from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Hosted by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, this NPLD event ensures the survival of native plants in the park’s rainforest. Volunteers will be rewarded with a free park pass for future visits, making it a meaningful way to give back while exploring the beauty of the park. Contact field@hawaii.edu ahead of time to attend.
These are just a few of the many ways to celebrate National Public Lands Day this year. Whether you’re hiking with a local Pride group, restoring trails, or learning about native plants, these events offer a chance to connect with public lands, support conservation efforts, and celebrate the beauty and importance of these natural spaces.