National Public Lands Day returns with 2026 volunteering push

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On September 26, communities across the United States will come together for the 33rd annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD), a nationwide event that brings volunteers to public lands for a day of service. This year's theme, "Caring for Our Shared America," highlights the importance of maintaining and enhancing America's natural landscapes.

"National Public Lands Day provides a unique opportunity for people to get involved in the preservation of our nation's shared resources," said Sara Espinoza, president and CEO of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), which coordinates the event. "It's a way for communities to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by actively contributing to the maintenance and beautification of our public lands."

This year's NPLD is part of a broader initiative to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history. NEEF is partnering with America250 and Outward Bound USA to encourage participation. On NPLD, young people and families will have the chance to engage in outdoor activities, as part of The Reset campaign.

Last year, NPLD saw an impressive turnout, with more than 55,000 volunteers participating in over 900 events, contributing an estimated $9.4 million in volunteer service. "The National Park Service and the American public are deeply grateful for the energy, creativity, and heart that NPLD volunteers bring to our parks," said Samantha Zurbuch, Nationwide Volunteers-In-Parks Program Coordinator at the National Park Service.

The day includes a variety of events across the country. In Nevada, volunteers can help a burned landscape recover by making native seed balls and tossing them into a burn scar at Hafen Lane Park. In Alabama, junior anglers can learn to fish with the help of a park ranger at Little River Canyon National Preserve. At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC, volunteers can pull on waders and help with wetland restoration by removing invasive plants and collecting litter. In Washington State, Helen McCabe State Park Property offers a unique opportunity to volunteer and then enjoy recreational activities like fishing, scavenger hunts, and a bullfrog-catching challenge. The Lower Salt River Cleanup near Mesa, Arizona, serves as the 11th annual NPLD Signature Event, where volunteers can remove trash. Finally, the 37th annual Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge festival in Washington celebrates salmon, science, and song, featuring music, archery, arts, and hands-on learning.

Volunteers can find more information and get involved by visiting the NEEF website at www.neefusa.org/NPLD or by exploring the interactive map provided by NEEF.