National Public Lands Day Saturday September 26: Do a good deed outdoors in the Bay Area

Photo by Molly McCahan.

Looking for a last-minute adventure this weekend? Put your hands to good use, and volunteer this Saturday on National Public Lands Day. Dubbed the country’s largest volunteer effort to improve and clean up our public lands, this 16th annual event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds around the nation to do something great for the planet.

One of the day’s signature sites is right here in our own backyard: the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Join the big group anticipated at Crissy Field for a variety of projects including habitat restoration, vegetation management, and trail maintenance. The event runs from 9:00am-12:30pm, with registration starting at 8:45am. Lunch is provided, too, along with tools, supplies, and project leadership. RSVP is requested and appreciated.

Here are a few other events to consider in and around San Francisco:

• Closest to the city is the project organized by the Marin Headlands Hostel, where volunteers will pick up trash and debris throughout the Headlands from 10:00am-2:00pm. Drop-ins are welcome.
• The Point Reyes National Seashore has several events throughout the weekend. Wetlands restoration and tule elk experiences are just a few of the activities in which you can participate.
• If you’re in the East Bay, join the group at Mount Diablo State Park to remove trash, restore native plants, and brush hiking trails.

This year’s work is even more special in light of President Obama’s national call to service, along with the launch of the Ken Burns six-episode documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, which premiers on PBS stations around the country this Sunday, September 27. Find out when and where it airs in your area.  

For other projects around the Bay Area, search the website by zip code, or enter “California” to see what’s going on around the Golden State.