The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its public lands, featuring rainforests, coastlines, and snowy peaks. On September 28, 2024, we celebrate National Public Lands Day, a day to honor these natural treasures that define our region.
The idea started small in 1994: a handful of federal agencies and 700 volunteers who wanted to care for the land that cared for them. Now, it’s the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the country.
These places are not only landscapes; they are part of us. I’ve stood at the base of Mount Rainier, felt the thunderous roar of Palouse Falls, and seen the mirror-like surface of Lake Crescent. Each time, I’ve felt a connection, a peace. It’s difficult to explain, but you’ve also experienced it. These lands are ours, and they need our care.
Public lands in the Pacific Northwest are more than forests and mountains. They’re the wild and scenic rivers where salmon still run. Volcanic landscapes tell the story of our earth. They’re mossy trails where families connect with nature. Quiet places where we go to find ourselves.
This year, the theme is “Giving Back Together.” It’s about community. We must understand that we all play a role in caring for these lands.
There are many ways to get involved, and whatever you choose, I encourage you to share your park story. Do this by writing a blog post, sharing photos on social media, or even telling your friends and family about your experience. It’s a way to connect with others who love these lands as much as we do.
Visit a national park for free, take a hike in the North Cascades, or have a picnic by the Oregon coast. It matters being there and connecting with the land.
If you’re feeling more hands-on, take part in a volunteer work project. Some in-park projects even offer a fee-free day coupon for future use. Check out the National Public Lands Day events or search for volunteer opportunities on Volunteer.gov using the keyword “National Public Lands Day.”
Remember, being outdoors isn’t only about giving back – it’s good for you, too. Enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and physical activity. While you’re out there, learn how to protect these lands. Practice Leave No Trace principles such as packing out all trash, leaving what you find, and respecting wildlife to ensure these places remain pristine for future generations.
Remember to share your experience. Show your love for the outdoors by posting your favorite activity on social media with #NPLD and #NPSVolunteer. These hashtags help you join a more extensive conversation, inspire others, and highlight the beauty of our Pacific Northwest public lands.
As I write this, I’m looking out my window at the Willapa Hills. They’re not public lands but remind me of the vast wilderness surrounding us in the Pacific Northwest. The quiet, the stillness—it’s a small taste of what’s out there, waiting for us.
Our public lands are not only ours to enjoy; they are our shared heritage. These are the places for solitude, adventure, or peace. They’re the wild spaces that remind us of our place in the world. On this National Public Lands Day, I encourage you to get out there. Feel the damp earth under your feet. Listen to the wind in the trees. And remember, we’re not preserving these lands for ourselves but for the generations to come.
Whether pulling Scotch broom in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, picking up trash along the Pacific Crest Trail, or taking a quiet walk in a city park, you’re part of something bigger. You’re connecting with the land and with each other. You’re helping to preserve these places for future generations.
Take a moment at the day’s end as the sun sets over the Pacific coast. Breathe deep. Feel the connection. This belongs to all of us, every single one of us. From the rainforests of the coast to the high desert of eastern Oregon and Washington, let’s take care of it together. Remember to share your story, as it contributes to the larger narrative of the public lands we create together.
Further Reading:
Forest Brook, Quinault Rainforest, Washington
Forest, Goose Rock Summit, Deception Pass State Park, Washington
