This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Lands Day. To commemorate this day, on September 23, 2023, all national parks and other federal public lands, including national monuments, forests, recreational areas, beaches, wildlife refuges, historic sites, battlefields, and grasslands, will be Admission fee will be waived. It will be the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort in parks and public lands, with 70,000 volunteers expected to participate on federal lands, state parks, and local parks.
Details about National Public Lands Day
Hundreds of volunteer events already planned are already on the National Public Lands Day (NLPD) schedule. Management opportunities range from cleaning hiking trails to planting trees and removing invasive plant species. Additionally, group hikes and tours are planned to commemorate the free admission day.You are also welcome to travel to popular spots. park and U.S. water destinations, NEEF website Find local events and volunteer opportunities in your neck of the woods.
2023 NLPD Theme
This year’s NPLD theme is “30 Years of Care and Community.” Celebrating the event’s evolution from one institution, two locations, and 700 volunteers to a national effort spanning all 50 states and U.S. territories, we have reached 1 million volunteers over the past 10 years. has dedicated nearly 5 million hours to NPLD public lands.If you want to put a price tag on your effort, it’s worth estimating $133 million.
Mount Rainier National Park
More than 1.5 million visitors visit Mount Rainier National Park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Because of the heavy traffic, park officials rely on National Public Lands Day volunteers to clean up the mountain after summer visitors damage the landscape. This year, NPLD volunteers will help renovate the park’s 420 miles of trails and restore meadows in preparation for winter.
yosemite national park
Considered one of NLPD’s most important events, Yosemite National Park is undergoing a major renovation this year. According to predictions, 2,000 volunteers will gather to clean up the entire park. Fun activities include raffle prizes for volunteers, as well as an evening program that includes guest speakers, film screenings, live music and more.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Also known as the “Scientific Monument,” the Grand Staircase and its surrounding land are well known for its archaeological discoveries and dinosaur discoveries. Additionally, it is a popular destination for both hikers and campers in its natural setting. In return, volunteers will highlight the damage to the natural environment caused by unauthorized camping abuse and will add signage to curb it in the coming years.
shenandoah national park
In addition to volunteer projects and conservation-focused programs for NLPD, the Shenandoah National Park Trust’s “Art in the Park: Shenandoah Landscapes” event features free workshops and demonstrations by talented local artists throughout the park. is held.
round lake logging dam
At Round Lake Logging Dam, one of the last remaining logging dams of its kind in the world, participants embark on an “Autumn Color Photography Tour” to capture vibrant fall foliage and scenic views. Participants will have the opportunity to trace history among the hardwoods and hemlock trees while using the free iNaturalist app to take photos of local biodiversity and share them with local researchers.
Karyn Locke is a travel writer, freelance journalist, and self-proclaimed road trip queen. When she’s not traveling, she can be found scouring the internet for the latest news and planning her next adventure with her cat on her lap. Karyn can be found on her travel website Sand and Snow, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and X @karynlocke. Email Karyn at klocke@sandorswnow.com.