National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, bringing thousands together to care for the natural spaces we all depend on. As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, educating and cultivating environmental stewards. With support from federal and state agencies, corporate sponsors, and nonprofits, NPLD ensures resilient natural spaces for generations to come.
Since 1999, the Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program has funded nearly 600 NPLD events on military installations.
Together we’ve:
- Added over 20K native plants
- Removed 300+lbs of trash
- Generated $1.9 million in volunteer labor
On Saturday, September 28th, communities across the country will unite to celebrate and care for our nation’s public lands.
Join us in celebrating both the power of community and the lasting impact of these partnerships. Find an NPLD event near you and get involved: https://www.neefusa.org/npld-event-search
For more information about NPLD, please visit: https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/grants/grantees/national-public-lands-day-department-defense-awards
To learn more about the Legacy Program, please visit https://www.denix.osd.mil/legacy
NPLD #PublicLands #NationalPublicLandsDay
Check out these highlights from National Public Lands Day 2023.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Volunteers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington protected the last viable population of Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies by surveying the prairie, clearing invasive shrubs, and prepping the planting site.
This photo was submitted by Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington as a part of the 2023 National Public Lands Day.
Fort Cavazos Military Installation, Texas
By removing weeds, spreading mulch, and picking up trash, volunteers at Fort Cavazos in Texas helped maintain the area’s roughly 1.6-acre pollinator sanctuary.
This photo was submitted by Fort Cavazos Military Installation, Texas as a part of the 2023 National Public Lands Day.
Schofield Barracks US Army Garrison, Hawaii
Volunteers at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii constructed an irrigation system for the seed orchard and replanted endangered species, all while learning about maintaining endangered plants.
This photo was submitted by Army Natural Resources Program – Schofield Barracks US Army Garrison, Hawaii, as a part of the 2023 National Public Lands Day.
Mississippi Military Department, Camp Shelby, Mississippi
State archaeologists and cadets with the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program teamed up at Camp Shelby in Mississippi to prepare a World War II recreation area for use as a public park.
This photo was submitted by Mississippi Military Department, Camp Shelby, Mississippi as a part of the 2023 National Public Lands Day.
Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii
Organizers and participants cleaned up 500 pounds. of trash at the Puhā Stream Edge & Beach Cleanup at Bellows Air Force Station in Hawaii. They also removed invasive shrubs and small trees around the burial vault and the Pu‘ewai wetland edge.
This photo was submitted by Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii as a part of the 2023 National Public Lands Day.