National Public Lands Day Volunteer Events Across Oregon

About the event

Public lands are part of the climate change solution which makes National Public Lands Day an excellent opportunity for action across the beautiful state of Oregon.

For an overview of activities across the state and even the nation, check out the event search tool provided by NEEF (National Environmental Education Foundation). Four examples across the state to consider:

• Grande Ronde Public Lands Day in La Grande – In the spirit of celebrating and supporting the gifts of our watershed, come join us Saturday, September 26 for Grande Ronde Public Lands Day at Riverside park. This event is part of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) – an effort that started over 30 years ago and has inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers to give back to our nation’s public lands in all 50 states and US territories.
• Siltcoos Beach Cleanup for Snowy Plovers on the coast between Florence and Coos Bay – Celebrate National Public Lands Day with the U.S. Forest Service and SOLVE and help protect the western snowy plovers! Please join us for a beach cleanup on Saturday, September 26th at Siltcoos Beach Day Use Area, which is a critical nesting area for plovers from mid-March to mid-September.
• Hart Bar Interpretive Site Accessibility Upgrades near Plush in Southern Oregon – Join the Bureau of Land Management in celebrating National Public Lands Day at the Hart Bar Interpretive Site, where ongoing accessibility upgrades are creating a fully ADA‑compliant gateway to the Warner Wetlands ACEC. Recent improvements such as an ADA‑accessible interpretive trail, upgraded restroom facilities, cattle‑guard entry, durable fencing, and upcoming additions including accessible parking, connecting sidewalks, and a shade structure showcase a multi‑year effort to ensure barrier‑free recreation for all visitors. This event highlights the collaboration among partner organizations and Tribal communities to make Hart Bar a welcoming space for education, birding, dark‑sky viewing, and inclusive outdoor experiences for generations to come.
• Molalla River Cleanup in Mollalla – Volunteers, in collaboration with the BLM, SOLVE and Molalla River Watch, will clean up recreation sites and day use sites along the Molalla River. Volunteers will also perform trail maintenance activities on the nearby Hardy Creek trail system.

For background, NEEF describes the event as “National Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes—from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. National Public Lands Day is special because it provides all lovers of the environment—old and new—an opportunity to show our appreciation for these unique places.

National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it’s a chance to connect with new communities, an event that creates kinship among those working together for a common goal, and an opportunity to use America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall physical and mental health. The theme for this year’s celebration is National Public Lands Day: Together for Tomorrow. Let’s join forces for a common goal, stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Be a part of this impactful day and help make a difference in our public lands!“