Resolve to Volunteer at America's Public Lands

Still looking for a 2012 New Year's resolution? Why not make the pledge to volunteer at one of America's beautiful public lands! From the grand national parks of Yellowstone or Acadia to a community park in your neighborhood, there are thousands of public lands looking for volunteers. No experience is necessary and everyone can do their part. Take the first step by signing up for the National Public Lands Day newsletter to be updated year-round on volunteering and educational opportunities on public lands throughout the nation.

What is National Public Lands Day?

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States. In 2012, NPLD will be held on September 29, 2012. Registration for 2012 will be open soon.

NPLD began in 1994 with three sites and 700 volunteers. It proved to be a huge success and NPLD became a yearly tradition, typically held on the last Saturday in September. Since the first NPLD, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.

In 2011, more than 170,000 volunteers supported over 2,060 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and in many U.S. territories. NPLD volunteers:

• Planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants
• Removed an estimated 500 tons of trash
• Collected an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants
• Built and maintained an estimated 1,500 miles of trails
• Contributed an estimated $18 million in volunteer services to improve public lands across the country

How Can I Learn More About National Public Lands Day?

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• View photos of volunteers on our Flickr page
• Share video of volunteers in action through our YouTube page
• Contact a local nonprofit that participated in NPLD 2011