National Public Lands Day Beckons Volunteers

More than 170,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,100 sites across the country on Sept. 28 to take part in the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States, National Public Lands Day (NPLD).

Volunteers in every state will visit parks, public and community gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and chip in to help these treasured places that belong to all Americans. 

They will improve and restore the lands and facilities the public uses for recreation, education, exercise and connecting with nature.

Locally, the closest project will be at Skinner Park and Loomis Street Gardens at 1331 W. Monroe St. and 1401 W. Monroe St., respectively. 

There, volunteers will restore garden areas that were damaged by flooding and rosetta disease, which wiped out all the roses and many shrubs, according to the NPLD online database.

"Maintain and build the flower beds, fall planting, remove invasive plants and mulch the area," the listing says. "There is also general cleanup of the entire park."

Volunteers can offer any amount of time—from one to four hours—and all training and tools will be provided. Those lending a hand will also get free food and refreshments.

“With one-third of America's land in public hands, NPLD provides an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help sustain these lands,” said Robb Hampton, director of the public lands program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), which coordinates NPLD. “Volunteers can also spend time after their tasks to enjoy the lands, whether at a local green space or national park. Many sites offer nature hikes, bike rides, picnics or other outdoor activities.”

JL Armstrong, NEEF board member and national manager, corporate affairs at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., said:

“NPLD involves thousands of volunteers making a difference in cities and towns across the nation while participating in outdoor activities. We encourage everyone, particularly families and service groups, to join their neighbors on NPLD to make their communities the best they can be.”

With a long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the event’s national sponsor for the 14th consecutive year. 

Northrop Grumman has joined as a contributing sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. September 29th marks the event’s 19th year.

The event last year contributed an estimated $17 million in volunteer services to public lands, which include planting about 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants, as well as building and maintaining approximately 1,500 miles of trails.

Events in every state, the District of Columbia and many U.S. territories can be found online now, searchable by state or zip code: publiclandsday.org/npld-sites. 

Eight federal agencies will participate, along with more than 250 state, county and city partners, and a host of nonprofit organizations around the nation.

NPLD is also a designated fee-free entrance day at many federal public lands including national parks. More information can be found at publiclandsday.org.