Tomorrow, more than 170,000 people across the country are expected to celebrate National Public Lands Day – America’s largest, single-day, outdoor volunteer effort. More than 2,000 public land and water sites across the country will offer FREE admission to volunteers who give a few hours of their time to help improve and restore outdoor spaces.  

National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to get active while showing your appreciation for the public parks, trails, beaches, lakes, rivers and forests that belong to all of us as Americans.  Last year, volunteers collectively planted more than 100,000 trees and plants and maintained or built 1,500 miles of trails – all in one day’s work! This year, the goal is to top those contributions and engage more kids and families.

With events taking place in every state, there are many different ways to get involved.  

What:   The 19th annual National Public Lands Day

When:  All day on Saturday, September 29th

Where: More than 2,000 sites across the country

Why:    Help take care of America’s great outdoors and enjoy a FREE outdoor day with your family.

You don’t need any special equipment to participate in a National Public Lands Day event!   Host sites will provide all the tools and training you need to have a fun, productive day. Be sure to check the weather before you head out, and dress appropriately. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water and healthy snacks, like trail mix, fresh or dried fruit, or whole grain crackers or pretzels.  

For some added inspiration, check out this video from Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, one of America’s greatest champions of outdoor recreation and conservation:  

Watch Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar's full remarks here.

For more information on National Public Lands Day, visit www.publiclandsday.org.

Ali Kelley is the Deputy Associate Director for Let’s Move Outside!