Photo by Sean Jansen from Lewis and Clark National Forest (Salish Kootenai Lands)
By Callie Smith
National Public Lands Day is September 25, and the best way to spend it is by enjoying and stewarding your local public lands! The CDTC is hosting a day of events to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Cuba, NM! We have compiled a list of ways to spend your National Public Lands Day, no matter where you are, as well as some opportunities to give back to the Continental Divide Trail landscape.
Ways to enjoy and protect your public lands on National Public Lands day:
Visit a national park for FREE: National Public Lands Day is what’s known as a “fee free day,” meaning that entrance fees for national and state parks are waived and people can enjoy our nation’s amazing parks free of charge. There has never been a better time to head to a national or state park and enjoy a day outside.
Pick up trash on the trail: Another great way to spend National Public Lands Day is by giving back to the public lands around you. This Saturday, consider picking up some trash in your favorite outdoor recreation area. We suggest that you bring a few large trash bags, gloves, and a trash grabber, if you have one. You can make a day out of picking up trash or just grab a few pieces while out and about on the trail. However you choose to help clean, your public lands will thank you!
Enjoy your local trails: There are many ways to have a fulfilling time on local trails. Even if you don’t have trails close to you, just going for a walk in your neighborhood will do! If you’re a solo adventurer, you can switch on your favorite music or podcast in your headphones or just listen to the sounds around you and wander. If you like company while you hit the trails, we suggest doing a morning coffee walk on a trail with a friend.
Have a picnic in your local park: Some people like to exercise in the outdoors and some people like to eat in the outdoors and we at CDTC like to do both! If you’re in the mood to dine al fresco, then a fun way to enjoy National Public Lands Day is by getting together some tasty food (cheese board experts we’re looking at you), grabbing some friends, a blanket, and posting up at your local park for the day. This activity is guaranteed to bring some good conversation and laughs!
Educate yourself and others about Leave No Trace principles to keep our public lands safe: Leave No Trace Principles are an important part of responsibly recreating in your public lands. By teaching yourself and others about these principles, you can help be a steward of your surrounding environment. Find out more about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace at the Leave No Trace Center’s Website.
Lead a hike for young people: Introducing young people to their local public lands can help to create a care for the environment in children — and can be fun for adults too! Encouraging trail and environmental stewardship at a young age can help to foster stewardship for a lifetime. You can take your kid, and maybe their friends, for a short hike on your local trail and encourage them to love and learn and wonder about their surroundings. Maybe you can also teach them some principles of Leave No Trace or pick up some trash together!
Learn about invasive species near you: Invasive species are a big threat to many public land ecosystems. By learning about the invasive species near you, you can help to stop their spread and keep your local environment healthy and thriving. Often just doing a quick google search about invasive species can help you to learn more about them and the issues they cause.
Volunteer on Your Public Lands: CDTC’s biggest suggestion for being involved with National Public Lands Day is to volunteer! Volunteering on your national public lands can make a big difference in helping them to stay beautiful and accessible for years to come. There are many organizations who offer wonderful volunteer opportunities. Check out our list below of National Public Lands Day volunteering opportunities happening along the CDT!
NEW MEXICO:
National Public Lands Day in Cuba with CDTC:
If you’re in New Mexico, come learn how to steward the CDT with us at our event in Cuba from 8 am – 2:30 pm. Whether you want to get your hands dirty with trail maintenance or want to learn proper Leave No Trace methods for enjoying the trail, we’ll be hosting activities that are fun and educational for all ages.
Trail work: Maintenance on the CDT
8am-1pm | San Gregorio Trailhead
Event location:
San Gregorio Trailhead
Cuba, NM
Learn How to Leave No Trace Group Hike
8:30am – 12pm | San Gregorio Trailhead
Event location:
San Gregorio Trailhead
Cuba, NM
FREE Cookout
12:30pm-2:30pm | Eichwald Center
Eichwald Center
146 NM-126,
Cuba, NM 87013
Can’t make it to our event in Cuba? Keep reading for other NPLD events happening close to the CDT.
El Malpais National Monument Graffiti Removal
Friday September 24th | 9am-1pm | Grants, NM
Event location:
Sandstone Bluffs, Hwy 117
Grants, NM 87020
NPS will partner with the BLM, local schools, and communities to remove graffiti from the sandstone at this scenic overlook. Tools will be provided and participants should bring water and snacks and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces.
Ben Lily Memorial Site Cleanup
Saturday, September 25th | 9am-12pm | Silver City, NM
Event location:
3005 Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
A cleanup in the beautiful Gila National Forest in honor of Ben Lily. Several types of volunteer opportunities are available. Please wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and bring snacks and water.
COLORADO:
Grand County National Public Lands Day Picnic in the Park
Saturday, September 25th | 9am-12pm | Grand County, CO
Event location:
1-99 W Jasper Ave
Granby, CO 80446
Grand County has one of the longest-standing National Public Lands Day celebrations in the country. There are several activities to choose from, including a river cleanup, trailwork, and more! After a full day of enjoying time outside, Grand County invites folks to gather in Granby for a Picnic in the Park at Polhamus Park!
Trash Pickup at Rocky Mountain National Park
Saturday, September 25th | 9am-11:30am
Event location:
1000 US HWY 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Join the National Park Service for a morning of trash pickup in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park!
WYOMING:
Trail Erosion Control at Yellowstone National Park
Saturday, September 25th | 9am-4pm | Yellowstone National Park
Event location:
25 Cedar Terrace Avenue
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Help to repair erosion damage on hiking and social trails with the Yellowstone National Park Service.
Don’t see any events close to home? You can visit this website to join in on a National Public Lands Day near you.
