WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Forest Foundation (NFF), together with the U.S. Forest Service and local partners, will celebrate National Public Lands Day with a series of events that invite people to connect with and care for America’s public lands.
National Public Lands Day, held this year on September 26, is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. It brings people together each year to improve forests, trails, rivers and other outdoor spaces.
From forest cleanups and tree-planting to trail stewardship, a mountain bike race and family-friendly gatherings, the NFF will join partners across the country to celebrate and care for public lands.
These nationwide events reflect how the NFF works alongside local organizations and the U.S. Forest Service to turn a shared love of public lands into meaningful action. Each event responds to local priorities while advancing the NFF’s national commitment to healthy, resilient and accessible National Forests and Grasslands.
National Forest Foundation Events
Arizona: Wood for Winter — A Community Firewood Day
Coconino National Forest | September 26
Forest thinning is an important tool for reducing hazardous fuels and wildfire risk. Wood generated through local thinning projects will be available for community members to pick up ahead of winter.
California: Crystal Lake Cleanup
Angeles National Forest | September 26
Participants will help care for the Crystal Lake Recreation Area and Campground while connecting with fellow volunteers and giving back to the forest.
Colorado: Rockies Ramble
White River National Forest | September 26
This mountain bike relay brings riders together on the Frisco Peninsula trails for a day of recreation and giving back, with proceeds benefiting Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.
Illinois: Midewin Stewardship Projects and Picnic
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie | September 26
Volunteers can participate in seed harvesting, brush cutting and sign installation before gathering for a picnic lunch and volunteer recognition celebration.
Montana: Kootenai Forest Fair
Kootenai National Forest | September 26
This family-friendly gathering will connect the community with local forestry, wildlife and recreation professionals through educational activities, project updates and opportunities to learn more about caring for Northwest Montana’s public lands.
New Mexico: Black Fire Recovery and Wilderness Trails Celebration
Gila National Forest | September 25–27
Volunteers will install trailhead and Wilderness boundary signs while learning about Black Fire recovery and connecting with conservation partners through live music, food and camping.
Oregon: Diamond Lake Volunteer Tree-Planting Day
Umpqua National Forest | September 26
Volunteers will plant sugar pine trees near Diamond Lake, contributing to wildfire recovery and helping build a healthier, more resilient forest for future generations.
Utah: Utah Public Lands Partners Market
Salt Lake City | September 16
This second annual community event will bring together organizations working in restoration, responsible recreation, education and natural and cultural resource protection across Utah’s public lands.
Together, these events demonstrate the power of partnerships rooted in local communities and connected by a national commitment to America’s public lands. Whether planting trees, improving trails, or learning more about the landscapes around them, participants can make a lasting difference for the lands that care for us all.
To learn more about these events, visit nationalforests.org/npld.
About the National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) believes in a world where caring for forests is second nature, with a mission to transform America’s love of nature into action for our National Forests. As the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, NFF works to reduce wildfire risk, restore land and watersheds, and improve recreation access across America’s 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. NFF’s work is national in scope, local in practice, and generational in impact.
Contact Info
Catherine Cody
ccody@nationalforests.org
+1 214-676-9063
