National Public Lands Day is one of the nation’s largest single-day volunteer efforts to promote environmental stewardship, and it’s coming up this Saturday, Sept. 26. All standard parking fees at state parks are waived on this day.

There are more than 40 events planned across Virginia’s 44 state parks and 80,000+ acres of public lands. Help give back to the landscapes you love with these nearby volunteer options:

Note: We measured travel times from central Richmond.

Less than an hour away:

Powhatan: Trail Work | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Join park staff for a volunteer cleanup hike through Powhatan's hiking, biking, and multi-use trails — tools will be provided. RSVP via email.
Pocahontas: Passport to a Park | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pick up an official stamp sheet and trash bag from Shelter 2, then head out to explore the park, collect litter, and receive stamps at designated stations along the way.

Less than two hours away:

Twin Lakes: Lend a Hand + Love the Land | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Drop by anytime within the time window, and head to the Discovery Center for a trash grabber and bag or bucket. Hit the trails at your own pace.
Bear Creek Lake: Invasive Species Removal | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bring work gloves and safety glasses to help clear out invasive Autumn Olive shrubs and protect wildlife — instructions and clipping tools provided at the Archery Range.

If you’re up for a road trip, there are plenty more events worth the drive, including cleanups at Natural Bridge, Kiptopeke, and Fairy Stone. Browse the full event list.