News Release

Olympic National Park celebrates National Public Lands Day with two volunteer events

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort on public lands.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 15, 2022

Contact: Meagan Huff, Public Information Officer, [phone]

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Olympic National Park and the Friends of Olympic National Park will host two volunteer events to remove invasive plants and plant native species in the national park's headquarters district. Both events take place on National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort on public lands. Members of the public are invited to join in these projects to take part in this nationwide celebration of public lands and volunteerism.

"National Public Lands Day is a great day to get involved at Olympic National Park," said Volunteer and Youth Coordinator Heather Stephens. "Whether you're an experienced volunteer or new to volunteering, you are welcome to join us for this fun and rewarding day of public service!"

Participants at either event will receive National Public Lands Day passes good for one day of free entrance to participating public lands sites, including national parks.

Historic Macy House Native Planting

The historic Macy House was completed in 1940 and was home to Olympic National Park's first superintendent, Preston Macy. On September 24, 2022, from 9 am to noon, the Friends of Olympic National Park will lead volunteers in planting native plant species in the areas surrounding the house. The native plants used in this project come from the National Park Service's Matt Albright Native Plant Center.

Participants can register for this event here. Participants should dress for the weather and bring work gloves. Additional supplies will be provided. There is no cost to participate. This event will begin at 9 am at the flagpole in front of the Olympic National Park Headquarters Building, located at 600 E Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

The Matt Albright Native Plant Center receives funding through Washington's National Park Fund.

Invasive Plant Pull

Also on September 24, Olympic National Park will host a volunteer event to remove invasive plants along the trails and areas surrounding the national park's visitor center. Participants will learn about invasive plants and their disruptive impact on park ecosystems while helping to remove herb-Robert and wall lettuce.

National park rangers will lead volunteer groups starting at 10 am and 1 pm. Participants should dress for the weather, bring work gloves, and plan to volunteer for about 90-120 minutes total. Some work gloves are available for use during the event. There is no cost to participate. Both groups will meet at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362.


The public can direct questions about participating in National Public Lands Day volunteer events to Olympic National Park's Volunteer and Youth Program, [phone], e-mail us
 

About National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes – from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. National Public Lands Day is special because it provides all lovers of the environment – old and new – an opportunity to show our appreciation for these unique places. Learn more here.

Volunteering at Olympic National Park is a fun and rewarding experience. New and experienced volunteers are invited to join the national park to celebrate National Public Lands Day.

NPS Photo