For those uninitiated to NPLD, here is some context from the founding organization, the National Environmental Education Foundation:

NEEF's National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands.

This year, the theme for NPLD is Giving Back Together. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, America's public lands acted as a safe haven for recreation, conversation, and the simple enjoyment of being outside the confines of our homes. In a time of disconnectedness and uncertainty, the outdoors brought people together and deepened our appreciation for the important role these spaces play in our lives. Now it's time for us to return the favor.

So, this Saturday, September 24th, take the opportunity to join the thousands of events going on across the country or sign-up for one of the activities through RMF. In either case, your help on this day is a great chance to give back to the public lands that represent a shared national treasure for which we are all stewards.