National Public Lands Day is one of the nation’s largest single-day volunteer efforts to promote environmental stewardship, and it’s coming up this Saturday, Sept. 27.
Want to spend the day helping to beautify Virginia’s state parks? You have quite a few options. There are over 40 events planned for this Saturday, across Virginia’s 43 state parks and 80,000+ acres of public lands.
Connect with community members who share an appreciation of our local green spaces at these events.
Within an hour:
- Pocahontas: Ground Pine Path Hike | 10-11 a.m. | Join fellow nature lovers on a free ranger-led hike through one of the park’s quieter trails — parking fees will apply.
- Bear Creek Lake: Plant Invaders | 10-11 a.m. | Bring work gloves, and head to the archery range to help clear out invasive species and protect wildlife.
- Twin Lakes: Lend a Hand + Love the Land | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Meet at the Discovery Center to pick up a trash grabber, then hit the trails to scout for litter.
- Powhatan: Park Clean-up | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grab pick-up equipment from the park office, then pitch in to clean up the trails and picnic areas of plastic and trash.
If you’re up for a road trip, there are plenty more events worth the drive, including clean-ups at parks like Shenandoah, Hungry Mother, Natural Tunnel, and Fairy Stone. Browse the full event list.
Note: Most state parks are waiving parking and admission fees for the day, but be sure to check individual event details for confirmation.
