RICHMOND, Va. – On Sept. 28, 2024, Virginia’s state parks will celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.
Held every year on the fourth Saturday in September, NPLD highlights the vital impact of public lands and brings together hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country, fostering community and teamwork.
In Virginia, the state park system offers 43 parks, totaling roughly 80,000 acres, for public benefit. Each park relies heavily on volunteers for everything from trail maintenance to interpretive programs. In 2023 alone, volunteers across the state donated 218,147 hours of service, equivalent to 104 full-time employees.
For NPLD, Virginia State Parks is hosting more than 30 volunteer opportunities, including invasive species removal, beach and trail cleanups and habitat restoration. Parks will also offer a range of environmental education activities, such as guided hikes, bird surveys and tree identification programs. For the complete list of NPLD events, go to virginiastateparks.gov/public-lands-day.
“We’re proud to celebrate National Public Lands Day, a special opportunity for individuals, families and communities to come together in appreciation of the natural beauty and rich history our parks offer,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “This day of service honors the vital role public lands play in our lives, from preserving wildlife habitats to offering spaces for recreation. We invite everyone to experience the outdoors and help protect these treasured landscapes for future generations.”
Volunteers should dress for the weather and the project and bring water, insect repellent and sunscreen. Standard parking fees, such as trailhead parking, will be waived at most state parks for NPLD. The parking fee at Grayson Highlands and the admission fees for Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum will not be waived. To learn more, go to virginiastateparks.gov/parking-fees.
