The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, by volunteering in a park, helping care for Fairfax County’s natural and cultural resources and joining a special event honoring the legacy of a longtime public servant, the late Gerry Connolly.
In partnership with Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), the Park Authority has developed new trail signage along the Cross County Trail honoring Connolly’s legacy and contributions to Fairfax County. The community is invited to attend an unveiling of the new signage at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lake Accotink Park McLaren-Sargent Pavilion.
Residents can also celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in volunteer service opportunities throughout Fairfax County. Activities include invasive plant removal, litter pickup, pollinator garden maintenance and other projects that help preserve and improve the county’s parks for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteer opportunities include:
| Activity | Site | District | Date | Time |
| Invasive Removal (IMA) | Accotink Stream Valley Park | Providence | Friday, Sept. 25 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| Litter Pickup | Ossian Hall Park | Braddock | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 - 11 a.m. |
| Litter Pickup | Arrowbrook Park and Wetlands | Dranesville | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 - 11 a.m. |
| Invasive plant pull (Japanese stilt grass); clearing weeds from around historic structures; clearing leaves from under our porch and around the historic General Store | Colvin Run Mill | Dranesville | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 - 11 a.m. |
| Invasive Pull | Huntley Meadows | Franconia | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 - 11 a.m. |
| Non-Native Plant Removal (stilt grass) | Green Spring Gardens | Mason | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| Invasive Plan Species Removal | Hidden Oaks Nature Center | Mason | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 - 11 a.m. |
| Invasive Removal (IMA) | Laurel Hill Park | Mount Vernon | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8 - 9:30 p.m. |
| Pollinator Garden Maintenance and Trash Removal | Laurel Hill Park | Mount Vernon | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8 - 9:30 p.m. |
| Invasive Species Removal | Hidden Pond Nature Center | Springfield | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8 - 10 a.m. |
Full details and volunteer registration information are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. Residents who are unable to participate on Sept. 26 can find additional opportunities to volunteer in Fairfax County parks throughout the year through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).
Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has brought together volunteers across the country to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. The annual event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to give back to the places that provide opportunities for recreation, connection with nature, learning and community.
"Fairfax County’s parks are places where people come together to experience nature, explore our history and build connections with their communities," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “National Public Lands Day is a wonderful reminder that caring for these shared spaces is a community effort. Whether you spend a few hours removing invasive plants, picking up litter or simply joining us to celebrate the legacy of Gerry Connolly, every contribution helps strengthen the parks we all enjoy.”
For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.