ROLLA, Mo.—National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, will be celebrated in National Forests across the country on September 24, 2022. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this event attracts thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. One way you can participate in NPLD 2022 is share your story about why you love Mark Twain National Forest and sign up to receive updates about volunteer and service opportunities that happen throughout the year. Share your story and make a promise to support the Forest by making a stewardship promise.
This year, the NPLD theme is Giving Back Together. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s public lands acted as a safe haven for recreation, conversation, and the simple enjoyment of being outside the confines of our homes. In a time of disconnectedness and uncertainty, the outdoors brought people together and deepened our appreciation for the important role these spaces play in our lives. Now it’s time for us to return the favor.
In 2021, 46,227 volunteers participated in 536 events nation-wide to volunteer 185,108 hours of their time on public lands—estimated at over $5 million in value.
Visit the NPLD website to learn more about how you can get involved, or contact your local Forest Service office to get information on local events.