Nurture the Nature You Love to Explore
National Public Lands Day – September 26, 2026
Every year on National Public Lands Day, people across the country come together to celebrate and care for the public lands that connect us to nature. As the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, this day is an opportunity to give back to the forests, trails, rivers, and outdoor spaces we all enjoy.
Through hands-on stewardship projects and community events, volunteers help restore and improve National Forests while creating a lasting impact for future generations. Join a National Public Lands Day event to make a difference on your favorite public lands.
Wood for Winter: A Community Firewood Day
Coconino National Forest
Canyon Vista Project Site
7997 Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
September 26, 7:30 AM-1 PM
Join us for the season’s final wood distribution event, led in partnership by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation. Our crews will process firewood at a local site, building a well-stocked supply for community members heading into the colder months. This is the last big distribution of the year, so we encourage every household to stock up now and head into winter prepared. Come lend a hand, connect with neighbors, and help care for the forests we all depend on.
Crystal Lake Cleanup
Angeles National Forest
Crystal Lake Recreation Area and Campground
9877 N Crystal Lake Rd, Azusa, CA
September 26, 8 AM-12:30 PM
Help improve public lands, connect with fellow volunteers, and give back to the forest you love. Participants should come prepared for outdoor work with water, closed-toe shoes, and clothing for changing weather conditions. Lunch will be provided by the National Forest Foundation. Registration required; space is limited.
From the Ground Up: A Big Bear Valley Community Event
San Bernadino National Forest
Big Bear Discovery Center
40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA
September 19, 10 AM-2 PM
The NFF’s Southern California Program is doing a large-scale, multi-year forest health and wildfire mitigation project on the San Bernardino National Forest along Big Bear Lake in partnership with the US Forest Service. The purpose of this event is to educate community members about this project and invite partners who can talk to folks about engaging with their local public lands.
Rockies Ramble
White River National Forest
Frisco Adventure Park
621 Recreation Way, Frisco, CO
September 26, 8 AM-3 PM
The Rockies Ramble brings the Colorado mountain bike community together for a day of fast laps, good vibes, and giving back. Ride the iconic Frisco Peninsula trails in a 2 or 4-person relay, completing as many loops (5 miles each) as you can in 5+ hours. All proceeds go to Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.
Midewin Stewardship Projects & Picnic
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Latitude: 41.3400, Longitude: -88.1721
September 26, 9 AM-1 PM
Join us at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers can choose from several stewardship projects, including seed harvesting, brush cutting, and sign installation. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM at the River Road Seedbeds near the River Road Parking Lot, followed by a brief welcome before projects start at 9 AM. After a morning of service, volunteers are invited to enjoy a picnic lunch and recognition celebration.
To register or learn more, contact Partnership Coordinator Laura Lewis at [email protected].
Kootenai Forest Fair
Kootenai National Forest
Riverfront Park
354 City Service Rd, Libby, MT
September 26, 2-5 PM
Meet local forestry, wildlife, and recreation professionals, learn about current projects on the Kootenai National Forest, enjoy family-friendly activities, take a photo with Smokey Bear, and connect with others who care about the future of Northwest Montana’s public lands. Free beer and prize giveaways included.
Black Fire Recovery and Wilderness Trails Celebration
Gila National Forest
Natural Curiosity – Hermosa Field Station
Latitude: 33.1577, Longitude: -107.7289
September 25, 5 PM to September 27, 10 AM
Celebrate National Public Lands Day on the Gila National Forest and learn about Black Fire Recovery progress. Volunteers will help install trailhead and Wilderness boundary signs while enjoying live music, food, networking, and updates from conservation partners. Free camping and group bathroom access are available at Hermosa Field Station on September 25 and 26 with meals provided.
Diamond Lake Volunteer Tree-Planting Day
Umpqua National Forest
Latitude: 43.192639, Longitude: -122.133000
September 26, 10 AM – 2 PM
Help our forest fire recovery efforts near Diamond Lake on the Umpqua National Forest by planting sugar pine trees. Located in the heart of the southern Cascades, Diamond Lake is a beloved destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and connecting with the forest, making the health and resilience of this landscape especially important to the communities and visitors who enjoy it.
Come ready to get your hands dirty, connect with your community, and give back to the Umpqua National Forest by planting trees that will help shape the forest of tomorrow. Lunch and snacks will be provided, RSVP required.
Utah Public Lands Market
Fisher Brewing
320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT
September 16, 5-8:30 PM
Join the National Forest Foundation at Fisher Brewing on Wednesday, September 16 from 5:30–8:30 PM for the 2nd Annual Utah Public Lands Partners Market: a fun, community-centered event celebrating the work being done to protect and care for Utah’s public lands.
This free 21+ event will bring together nonprofits and organizations from across the state that are leading efforts in environmental restoration, responsible recreation, education, and cultural and natural resource protection. It’s the ideal event to connect with passionate land stewards and discover volunteer opportunities and other events ahead of National Public Lands Day (September 26).
Come mingle with people who love Utah’s public lands, win prizes, and enjoy a great local beer. No RSVP required!
