National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day is held annually on the fourth Saturday of September. On this day, thousands of people across the country take action to plant trees, clean up litter, and enjoy the outdoors. Public lands are found in almost every part of the United States. The idea behind the holiday is to highlight the beauty of the natural world, organize events that bring people together, and promote the protection of the environment.

History

National Public Lands Day was established to encourage stewardship and appreciation of America’s public lands. Over the years, the event has grown into the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the country. In recent decades, the U.S. has implemented several environmental protection measures: in 2010, the first national fuel standards were approved to reduce toxic emissions, and since 2015, comprehensive climate and clean water initiatives have been in place.

Interesting Facts About Recycling

• The energy saved by recycling one aluminum can is enough to power a TV for three hours.
• About 25 trees are needed every day to produce enough toilet paper for daily use.
• Stores use about 60 million plastic bags annually. Bringing your own bag helps reduce waste.

How to Take Part

Start by cleaning up your home, neighborhood, or a local park. Plant a tree—it’s even better when done as a group. Reach out to an environmental organization to find out where new plants are needed in your city. Volunteer to help restore historic sites or support local conservation projects.

When is National Public Lands Day in 2025?

National Public Lands Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of September each year.

Observations