The Significance of National Public Lands Day 2024

Since 1994, the 4th Saturday in September has been reserved for National Public Lands. National Public Lands Day's significance is as immense as ever because of the unrelenting threats to public lands, lands that are critical to combating the climate change impacts and providing millions with the space needed to enjoy the great outdoors, clean air, and fresh water, and experience the mental health benefits of nature at their leisure.

This year, National Public Lands Day Sept 28th will be the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in history as it's the National Environmental Education Foundation's signature event. The day aims to foster a deeper and more meaningful connection between people and the environment through various volunteer efforts and educational initiatives. National Public Lands Day is also a “Fee-Free Day” allowing citizens and visitors to enter national parks, historical sites, recreation areas, and other public lands without having to pay any entrance fees. This is the best day of the year for anyone with budgetary limitations to fully experience America's greatest idea.

National Public Lands Day Focus

One of the day's goals is to create a new generation of conservation pioneers willing to volunteer and advocate for public lands, ensure resilient natural spaces remain for many years to come, encourage volunteer efforts, and continue providing environmental benefits for people and the planet. Free access to parks like Yellowstone, Glacier, Crater Lake, the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite is one terrific way to get everyone young and old to fall in love with the great outdoors and all that nature offers us.

What are Public Lands?

In America, public lands include national and state conservation areas, preserves, national and state parks and forests, battlefields, seashores, monuments, wildernesses, historic sites, hiking trails, rivers, and recreation areas, too. Essentially, any patch of land or water protected by a government agency is public land, and yet many of those lands and waterways are still under duress due to political initiatives and extraction efforts.

The Threats to Public Lands

There's a history of public lands being exploited for resource extraction through drilling, mining, and logging. This has had disastrous climate change impacts and disturbed the landscapes, habitats, and ecosystems we all depend upon. A National Public Lands Day focus is to raise awareness of the need to protect and preserve public lands by resisting development pressures and encouraging volunteer efforts and educational initiatives all year long.

Volunteer Efforts on National Public Lands Day Sept 28th

Conservation Pioneers of yesteryear and those still doing the work today are trying to prioritize renewable energy development that will move us away from drilling and mining on public lands with a focus on the continued protection of water resources and wildlife habitat for birds, fish, and land mammals. Additionally, public land has the potential to absorb carbon and help with the way climate change impacts our modern world. Last year, the National Park Service reported that over 130 national parks hosted volunteer events with 7,600 people doing over 41,500 hours of service! This year, you can get involved by:

• Visiting a National Park in the fall (for free)

• Volunteer at an event

• Discover the health benefits of fishing and boating

• Take a hike

• Use your social media channels to advocate for others to get involved and go outdoors

By focusing on National Public Lands this year on September 28th and beyond we can help our nation remain beautiful and the planet stay healthy, while at the same time, ensuring access to recreational opportunities for millions of citizens and tourists alike. Check out even more ways you can maximize your time outdoors for your health and the health of public lands.