Press Releases

September 22, 2011

National Public Lands Day to Highlight Connection between Health & Time Spent Outdoors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Being active outdoors is one step to reducing childhood obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions, and volunteers around the country will be taking that step and learning about the outdoors in their communities on National Public Lands Day (NPLD), September 24th.

Since 1994, thousands of Americans of all ages set aside one day – the last Saturday in September – to “lend a hand to public lands” that millions of people use to hike, bike, climb, swim, explore, picnic or simply relax. One-third of America's land is owned by the public, and NPLD, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), is a reminder of everyone’s duty to help maintain those lands.

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September 21, 2011

Nation’s Capital Hosts More than 30 Volunteer Events on National Public Lands Day

Washington, DC – Washington-area volunteers will be out in force on Saturday, September 24, taking part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States. The nation’s capital will host NPLD events at more than 30 locations in the District, Maryland and Virginia, more than any other metro area in the country.

As part of this annual celebration of public lands, NPLD is supporting the first lady's Let’s Move Outside initiative as it engages families and youth to get outside and be active through hands-on fun activities.

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September 21, 2011

Chicago Hosts National Public Lands Day Events

Chicago – On Saturday, September 24, more than 180,000 volunteers, including volunteers at more than a dozen Chicago-area sites, are expected to visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places. They’ll be taking part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

The Chicago Wilderness Corporate, Skinner Park Advisory Council and Lincoln Park Conservancy are among the organizations coordinating NPLD events

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September 21, 2011

Los Angeles Hosts National Public Lands Day Events

Los Angeles – On Saturday, September 24, more than 180,000 volunteers, including volunteers at more than a dozen Los Angeles-area sites, are expected to visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places. They’ll be taking part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

The City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, U.S. Navy, California Institute of Environmental Design & Management, Los Angeles Park Rangers and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy are among the organizations coordinating NPLD events

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September 21, 2011

Baltimore Hosts National Public Lands Day Events

Baltimore – On Saturday, September 24, more than 180,000 volunteers, including volunteers at two locations in Baltimore, are expected to visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places. They’ll be taking part in National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

Volunteers at Boone Street Garden will plant winter cover crops, remove litter, build lined compost bins, mulch beds for fall and clear weeds. The National Aquarium is coordinating volunteers at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to remove debris and plant native vegetation.

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Connect With NPLD

Volunteer with Friends Groups

Friends Groups are local nonprofit organizations that support public lands. Many Friends Groups lead volunteer events to restore parks, green spaces and community gardens.  Learn more about the over 200 Friends Groups that participated in National Public Lands Day 2011 and how you can get involved.

NPLD Supports Let’s Move Outside

Participating in NPLD is a great way to get the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, while you lend a hand for public lands. Learn more about Let’s Move Outside and how NPLD is involved in the national movement.