The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to join in the nationwide celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Community members are encouraged to get involved by taking part in a wide variety of service activities that help protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of our treasured park system.
With the help of partners and community organizers, the Park Authority is pleased to host volunteer opportunities in every supervisory district across Fairfax County.
Braddock District – Wakefield Recreation Center
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.
- Trash cleanup
Dranesville District – Difficult Run Stream Valley Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.
- Trash cleanup and trimming overgrowth along trail
Franconia District – Huntley Meadows Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.
- Watershed cleanup
Hunter Mill District – Colvin Run Mill Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon
- Invasive plant pull
Mason District – Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.
- Invasive plant pull
Mount Vernon District – Laurel Hill Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon
- Vegetation removal around historic rail boxcar feature along the Cross County Trail
Providence District – Oakmont Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–noon
- Hands-On Local Habitat (HOLH) restoration project
Providence District – Eakin Community Park
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–noon
- Invasive Management Area (IMA) Workday
Springfield District – Twin Lakes Golf Course
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9–11 a.m.
- Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday
Sully District – Sully Historic Site
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday
Full details are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. While some opportunities already have enough volunteers, many are still accepting sign-ups. For those unable to attend on Sept. 27, additional opportunities to serve can be found year-round through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).
Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy these shared spaces. This year’s theme, "Our Home Outdoors," highlights the importance of parks as places where we connect with nature, history and each other.
"The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to be the steward of more than 23,000 acres of parkland and 334 miles of trails,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Our parks truly are ‘our home outdoors,’ places where people come together to explore, play, learn and recharge. We are deeply grateful for the thousands of volunteers whose time, energy and passion ensure these spaces continue to thrive for generations to come."
For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.