Public Lands Day in the United States

Public Lands Day is an event celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in September across the United States. The day is dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of federally managed lands and parks, where people are encouraged to enjoy and help maintain these natural treasures.

History:

Public Lands Day was established in 1994 through the efforts of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), intending to promote environmental stewardship and encourage a connection between people and nature. It started as a volunteer day for public lands but has since expanded to include various activities.

Traditions:

• Volunteering: Individuals, communities, and organizations participate in restoration and clean-up projects on public lands.
• Educational Programs: Events are held to educate the public about conservation efforts, wildlife preservation, and responsible recreation.
• Fee-Free Entry: National parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal public lands waive their entrance fees on this day to encourage visitation.
• Recreational Activities: People engage in hiking, bird watching, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities on public lands.

What People Do:

On Public Lands Day, Americans take part in numerous activities that celebrate the outdoors. This includes volunteering for trail maintenance projects, joining educational tours led by park rangers or naturalists, planting trees, removing invasive species, attending special events at national parks or monuments, and simply enjoying recreational opportunities offered by these natural spaces. It's a day for citizens to give back to the land that provides them with beauty, recreation, and resources.