About National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year 150,000 volunteers worked at over 2,000 locations 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.

Last September, volunteers....

• Removed an estimated 900,000 lbs of trash
• Collected an estimated 20,000 lbs of invasive plants
• Built and maintained an estimated 1,320 miles of trails
• Planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants
• Contributed an estimated $14 million to improve public lands across the country

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.

Share Your NPLD Stories

Have you participated in NPLD in previous years?  Is 2010 your first year volunteering with NPLD?  Do you have any interesting, funny or inspiring stories about your NPLD experiences? 

Share them online!

Visit the NPLD Volunteer Share Your Story webpage and submit a story.  It could be used to inspire others to volunteer.