How to Protect Our Public Lands

Happy National Public Lands Day! It’s the 25th anniversary of the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the country. Which means you have to celebrate some way, somehow.

Here are 10 ways you can observe National Public Lands Day, from least effort (sitting on your couch) to super-motivated.

Post an inspirational Instagram photo—Find your favorite outdoor photo in your archives and write a sappy caption about the importance of public lands and our need to protect them. That way when people double tap, they’ll get some education!

Or an advocacy call-to-action—Be direct! You can use Outdoor Industry Association’s social media messages to urge people to take action in the fight for public lands.

Register to vote—If you’re not registered to #VotetheOutdoors, you can’t help. So use today today to A) register, and B) learn where your elected officials stand on public land policies.

Visit a national park—Or a national forest. Or a national monument. They’re all free today in honor of National Public Lands Day!

Have a picnic on public lands—Spending any time outside today is a win for public lands! Hiking to a scenic spot to eat snacks and appreciate the beauty around you? Even better!

Or spend the night camping on them—If you sleep outside tonight, it’ll be like you’re giving the Earth a giant 10-hour thank you hug.

Go leaf-peeping—Conveniently, it’s also the first day of fall, which gives you every reason to put on some flannel and go find some fall colors!

Join an organized volunteer group—Check out this link from National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) to find events in your area.

Join a REI event—REI will be hosting free events for REI members and the public to raise awareness about public lands and conservation. Bonus—the events go on through the end of the month!

Create your own event—Yeah…it’s the 11th hour and you don’t know what organized event you can still join. So start your own volunteer group! Gather some friends together and head outside to pick up trash on a local trail.

Whatever you do, be sure to take a moment to look around you and appreciate the beauty of our public lands.