The Bureau of Land Management alone manages 264 million acres of public landsSite Managers
In this section you will find a collection of resources used to help to help site managers create a successful National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26, 2009.
Register a Site for 2009
Complete the online registration form or print and fax the registration form to receive promotional materials, commemorative posters and certificates for volunteers.
Tree Initiative 2008
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), National Public Lands Day spearheaded a one million tree planting initiative. Between April 25th, 2008 and September 27, 2008, National Public Lands Day encouraged public land managers, non-profit groups, school groups, and individuals to plant trees in honor of the CCC.
Fee Free Coupons 2008
In addition to National Public Lands Day being a fee free day in many federally managed lands, volunteers who participate in National Public Lands Day at federal land sites are rewarded with coupons for free entry into their favorite federal public land areas that have entrance fees.
For the fifth year in a row, all National Public Lands Day volunteers who work at a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or USDA Forest Service will receive a coupon good for a "fee-free" day at any site managed by those agencies. The coupon is usable for one year-- from September 28, 2008 to September 26, 2009.
Evaluate Your Event
Please share your accomplishments during your National Public Lands Day 2008 event by filling out a short evaluation form. You can also download a form if you prefer.
Volunteers of the Year
We love hearding and sharing inspiring stories about National Public Lands Day volunteers!
- We have announced the 2008 Volunteers of the Year. Read about the efforts and effects of these volunteers: Cashea Arrington, Gary Solomon, and Richard Wachenheim.
- Read the stories from the 2007 Volunteers of the Year.
- To submit personal stories describing the efforts of a dedicated public land volunteer or employee in your community, read the nomination guidelines. Nominate a volunteer and help us recognize the efforts of hardworking individuals who have gone above and beyond the norm to care for our public lands.
** Note: Nominations for 2008 are closed, and the Volunteers of the Year have been announced.
Nominations for 2009 will be opened and announced in Spring 2009. **
2008 Media Kit
The Media Kit for Site Managers is an excellent resource for site managers to get the most media attention for their site. Download the Media Kit for Site Managers here in word format. You can tailor the existing press releases to work with your site and project.
Download Media Kit [MsWord]. July 2008
Funding and Awards
- NPLD Tour Grants 2008: Pre-Applications
- Department of Defense Legacy:
The Department of Defense provides Legacy awards of up to $6,500 for military lands open to the public for recreation. Applications were due on June 18, 2008.
In 2008, 37 installations have been awarded funding for their NPLD projects. In 2007, 34 installations received Legacy awards.
View available resources for 2008.
Site Manual
The National Environmental Education Foundation has developed a site manual to assist site managers in planning a successful workday. Contents cover a planning calendar, ways to involve the community, implementation committees, tools and food, promoting the event, inviting VIPs, final preparations and thanking volunteers.
Download Site Manual, (pdf)
please allow a minute or two for download
Thanks to The American Park Network for contributing services for design and layout for A Manual for Site Managers.
Volunteer Recognition Certificate 2008
Recognize National Public Lands Day volunteers by presenting them with an updated 2008 volunteer certificate.
Download Volunteer Certificate (pdf)
Site Manager Resources from the Library
The National Environmental Education Foundation solicits gubernatorial proclamations designating Public Lands Day in their states. Forty-one governors issued proclamations in 2008 and we will again be seeking this recognition of the importance of our public lands in 2009. Site Managers often play a key role in helping secure proclamations.
The National Environmental Education Foundation provides materials to help promote National Public Lands Day and to recognize volunteers who give a day of their time. Browse Graphic Assets
Additional Resources
Invasive Species Resource Portal
Invasive species present one of the greatest threats to the health and biodiversity of public lands. Check this section for valuable tips and resources about invasive plants and other species.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (LNT) promotes responsible outdoor recreation around the country through use of educational materials and Master Trainers. Learn more about Leave No Trace.
Leave No Trace Principles (PDF)
LNT Outdoor Skills and Ethics (PDF)
Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Another educational partner is Project Learning Tree (PLT), a program of the American Forest Foundation. PLT is a multi-disciplinary program covering Pre-K-12 grades that focuses on forests, wildlife, water, community planning, waste management and energy. We have contacted state PLT coordinators to encourage working with NPLD sites. Programs can be adapted to various audiences, including Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, 4-H and other community groups.
Federal Agency Advisors
The individuals who represent their respective agencies work together to coordinate National Public Lands Day. These individuals play a central role in making National Public Lands Day a success. View complete list of advisors
Girl Scouts - Linking Girls to the Land
The Girl Scouts work with National Public Lands Day by organizing volunteering events throughout the country through their Linking Girls to the Land program. Site managers are encouraged to contact local chapters of the Girl Scouts to inform them about volunteer opportunities at their NPLD site! Learn more