National Public Lands Day 2026

In celebration of National Public Lands Day (NPLD)*, Wilderness Month*, and America’s 250th anniversary, join the Mississippi District of Gulf Islands National Seashore for an interactive event honoring our shared stewardship. Through grounds and trail maintenance as well as programming, education, and activities led by park staff and exhibiting organizations across MS, this event gathers each of us to commit to conservation for generations to come.

This is a fun, family-friendly volunteer opportunity that welcomes volunteers of all ages. More specifically, volunteers will have the option to choose either or both volunteer service projects, grounds and trail maintenance, while enjoying beautiful bayou views as they remove litter, protect native habitats, and minimize debris. After volunteering, participants will be redirected back to the staging and exhibitor area for recognition and then encouraged to enjoy the remainder of the event and explore other park opportunities. 

When: Saturday, September 26 from 9 – 10AM

Where: Mississippi District – Meet at Davis Bayou Pavillion 3

Details:

• Davis Bayou does not require payment to access the park.

• Gloves and other materials needed to participate are provided.

• Closed-toe shoes are required.

• This cleanup involves walking on potentially uneven grass and walkways. As a result, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Accommodations for people with special needs will be made as best as possible if notified in advance.

• Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Participants are encouraged to bring refillable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirt, binoculars.

• NOTE: Gloves and weeding tools will be provided. However, feel free to bring your own so that we don't run out!

• Registration is required through this announcement on Volunteer.gov, however there will be paper forms on-site for last-minute individuals. Youth under 18 must have a legal adult with them, so registration for youth cannot be done online but rather in person with attending adults. If you have any questions regarding volunteer registration, please contact Jennifer Watson, Volunteer Coordinator, at jennifer_watson@nps.gov

Parking and Where to Meet:

Due to the park address taking you to multiple locations within the park, whether you use Google Maps or Apple Maps, it is best to type in Davis Bayou Campground for the correct location. This route will lead you to Pavilion 3, which is located right before the campground. Signage for directions will be posted along Robert McGee Road.

Parking: After turning onto Park Road from either Highway 90 or VFW Road, you will turn right onto Robert McGee Road. You will continue down Robert McGee Road for 1/2 a mile and notice Pavilion 3 to your left after passing Boat Launch Road. You may park in the designated parking spots outlined in orange. NOTE: Please do NOT park on the streets or in the grass, as you may get a parking citation. 

Schedule of Events:

Prior to 9:00AM – Arriving volunteers will be directed to park at one of the designated parking lots and then asked to check in at National Park Service table located at Pavilion 3. NPS staff will have information about the park, event programming, and organizations available at the staging area.

9:00AM-9:15AM – After completing the event sign-in, volunteers will remain in the Amphitheater area. The whole group will be welcomed to the “Caring for our Shared America” event and receive PPE issues and safety briefings by Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) and a welcome by USACE staff before having a group photo taken.

9:15AM-10:00AM – Volunteers will either assist grounds or trails maintenance.

10:00AM-12:00PM – After the conclusion of volunteer service, volunteers will be redirected back to the Pavilion 3 area for recognition and then encouraged to join the programming, education, and activities facilitated by park staff and community exhibitors along with other visitors.

Please note: This is one day event. Housing is not provided.

*Don’t know what NPLD is? As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD is an annual event that fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, education and cultivating environmental stewards. The theme for NPLD 2026 is Caring for our Shared America as volunteers of all ages and abilities roll up their sleeves and join forces for a common goal-stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

*Wilderness Month was established by President Biden September of 2024 in honor of the Wilderness Act that established the National Wilderness Preservation System, a national network of more than 800 federally-designated wilderness areas, on September 3, 1964. Within Gulf Islands National Seashore, both Horn and Petit Bois Islands off the coast of Mississippi were designated as Gulf Islands Wilderness in 1978, serving as a place of solitude, self-reliance, and refuge from modern-day civilization – a part of our shared wilderness legacy.