Join us for National Public Lands Day on September 26, 2026! Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort.
Volunteer
Help care for your national parks by volunteering during a one-time event or on a reoccurring basis.
Join the #RecreateResponsibly Movement
Learn how to model best practices to protect America's treasures while looking out for each other's health and safety.
Courtesy of NEEF
About National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes—from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. National Public Lands Day is special because it provides all lovers of the environment—old and new—an opportunity to show our appreciation for these unique places.
National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it’s a chance to connect with new communities, an event that creates kinship among those working together for a common goal, and an opportunity to use America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall physical and mental health. The theme for this year’s celebration is National Public Lands Day: Together for Tomorrow. Let’s join forces for a common goal, stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Be a part of this impactful day and help make a difference in our public lands!
Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in National Public Lands Day. Whatever you choose to do, we encourage you to share Your Park Story.
- Have fun and enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors.
- Learn how you can protect public lands and Leave No Trace when you visit.
- Share your favorite outdoor activity on social media channels with the hashtag #NPLD and #NPSVolunteer.
Events in National Parks
Volunteer your time at one of the events listed below. To see what's available, select the month of September on the calendar. Check out Volunteer.gov for more volunteer events at national parks.
In the News
Last updated: January 30, 2026