Celebrating National Public Lands Day 2025
On the fourth Saturday of September, we come together to celebrate National Public Lands Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible public lands we all cherish. From wetlands & vital waterways, to mountains & serene forests, public lands are natural treasures that define our communities and provide space for recreation, relaxation, and inspiration.
This year, NPLD is this Saturday, September 27, 2025. It’s a day to get outside, volunteer, and appreciate the land that connects us all. Here at Congaree Land Trust, we believe that protecting private lands is a crucial part of a healthy landscape, ensuring clean water, protecting wildlife habitats, providing access to the outdoors for everyone, and increasing the conservation footprint in our region.
However you choose to celebrate, here is your guide to getting involved this National Public Lands Day!
Celebrate Locally with Outdoor Events
What better way to celebrate than by joining a local conservation effort? We invite you to roll up your sleeves and get outside. Check out one of these local National Public Lands Day volunteer events with some of our local conservation friends:
Trash Sweep and Hike with Friends of Congaree Swamp:
Saturday, September 27 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am at the Adopt-a-Waterway site, Bates Bridge landing on U.S. 601
This event is a perfect opportunity to spot a variety of resident and migratory bird species and practice your identification skills. Afterwards, you'll help clean up the Adopt-a-Waterway site, ensuring the riverbank remains a healthy habitat for local wildlife.
All clean-up supplies, including trash pickers, bags, and gloves, will be provided by Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm! To sign up for this event or get more information, contact John Grego at friendsofcongareeswamp@gmail.com or 803-331-3366.
Saluda River Clean-Up:
Saturday, September 27 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at 620 Candi Lane
Help keep the Saluda River beautiful! Join the Saluda River Trout Unlimited Chapter, in partnership with Palmetto Pride and Keep the Midlands Beautiful's Adopt-A-Waterway program, for a community clean-up along the Saluda Riverwalk.
Event highlights include litter collection, water sampling, and a free t-shirt! This is a great chance to give back to a beloved local feature. All supplies will be provided.
Questions? Email
saludarivertu@gmail.com or visit https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/event/saluda-riverwalk-cleanup-national-public-lands-day/
Explore Our National & State Parks
National Public Lands Day is a fee-free day at all National Parks and many state parks, making it the perfect time to explore. Take advantage of this opportunity to visit a park you’ve always wanted to see or return to an old favorite.
Congaree National Park:
A true gem in our own backyard, Congaree National Park is a must-visit. Stroll along the famous boardwalk trail beneath a canopy of cypress trees. This remarkable floodplain forest is a testament to the power of conservation and a beautiful place to spend the day.
By working to protect the larger ecosystem surrounding Congaree National Park, such as the COWASEE Basin, CLT can directly support the health of the park. For example, our work with landowners to conserve lands along the Congaree River helps ensure the water quality and wildlife habitat essential for the park’s unique ecosystem to thrive.
Check out the free Forest Journaling program that the park has to offer! This Saturday on NPLD, relieve the stresses of your everyday life by taking the time to reconnect with nature and learn more about the importance of special ecosystems. A 2-mile (round trip) meditative walk and a workshop will allow participants the opportunity to participate in mindful reflection, meditation, and journaling.
Read more and sign up here:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=1FE1EA4D-FE4F-4A92-1A87CDCE46BB48B4
Can't Make It Outside? Here's How to Help from Home
You don't have to get your hands dirty to make a difference. Here are a few ways to celebrate and support public lands right where you are:
Read or Watch:
Expand your knowledge of the natural world and the importance of conservation. Dive into a documentary about a favorite national park, or explore books on local ecosystems and wildlife. Check out ‘COWASEE Basin: The Greenheart of South Carolina’ by John Cely in our online store, or watch this ETV throwback from the Carolina Stories series that celebrates the beauty of the Congaree National Park and entails the efforts of many to save the landscape.
Spread the Word:
Share this blog post on social media to encourage your friends and family to celebrate public lands. Use the hashtags #NPLD2025 and #NationalPublicLandsDay, to join the conversation and show your support!
Support Your Local Land Trust:
Every dollar donated helps us protect important local land, safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring our habitats remain healthy. This commitment is especially critical because it directly supports our public lands. By conserving properties that are contiguous to them and facilitating land additions, like our recent work to expand Lee State Park, CLT helps secure the future of our parks and wild spaces for all to enjoy.
Your support makes this vital work possible. By making a gift or becoming a member, you're not just protecting private land, you're also helping to secure the health and future of our public spaces.
However you choose to participate this year, thank you for being a part of the conservation community. Your commitment is what makes our work possible.
Happy National Public Lands Day!
