National forests cover 193 million acres - equivalent to the size of Texas.National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. On September 26, 2009, 150,000 volunteers worked at over 2,000 locations and in every state and in many U.S. territories. Now, 8 federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands.
National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.
This annual event:
- Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
- Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands;
- Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.
Water-Wise Tip
It costs over $3.5 billion each year to operate the country's water systems.
Cuesta mas de $3.5 billones por ano operar los sistemas del agua del país.
Source: EPA Drinking Water & Ground Water Kid's Stuff
Let’s Move!
This year, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Let’s Move! Let’s Move! is an initiative designed to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity and inactivity. Children and adolescents are becoming increasingly unhealthy, both physically and mentally as they spend more time sitting indoors and less time recreating outdoors. Childhood obesity or excess weight threatens the healthy future of one third of American children.
Public lands make the best playgrounds!
Outdoor play time and activities such as hiking, skating and bicycling are beneficial to a child's physical and mental well-being. Regular exposure to the natural environment can increase physical activity, help in childhood development, act as a coping mechanism for attention disorders and help reduce stress. Learn more about the health benefits associated with outdoor play on the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Children and Nature Initiative webpage.
On Sept. 25, children and families will get a chance to explore and enjoy America’s natural wonders. National Public Lands Day is a gateway for discovering the beauty and opportunity for fun at our parks – hiking, biking, swimming, recreating and getting healthy in America’s backyard.
