National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year 120,000 volunteers worked in over 1,700
locations and in every state. Now, 8 federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands.
National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect
America's natural heritage.
This annual event:
- Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
- Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands;
- Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.
Public Lands Day Tour 2008
Robb Hampton, Program Director of National Public Lands Day, recently toured the country in a Toyota Prius handing out $1,000 grants to support National Public Lands Day activities and to honor the 75th annivarsary of the Civilian Conservation Corps by planting one million trees! View the video to learn more about what Robb saw.
Press Release (August 27, 2008): Next Generation of Conservationists Receive "2008 National Public Lands Day Toyota Hybrid Tour" Grants (Eastern Sites)
Press Release (July 11, 2008): Next Generation of Conservationists Receive "2008 National Public Lands Day Toyota Hybrid Tour" Grants (Western Sites)
This September marks the launch of the fourth annual Public Lands Day Tour.
The Public Lands Day Tour will visit several upcoming NPLD work sites in a hybrid Prius donated by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and deliver $1,000.00 grants to assist in preparation for the upcoming events. The 2008 Tour will bring attention to NPLD's One Million Tree Planting Initiative that commemorates the 75th anniverary of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Stay up to date with Program Director Robb Hampton’s travels on his blog at http://publiclandstour.blogspot.com/.