BLM Celebrates National Public Lands Day in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a volunteer event at the White Mountains National Recreation Area on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This event is free to the public, but registration is required. 

Find ways to “Grow Together” through this year’s National Public Lands Day theme, "Caring for our Shared America,” which shines a spotlight on America’s 250th birthday. Through service and celebration, we acknowledge our place as custodians of these shared treasures, ensuring the American tradition of public lands endures for those who will inherit them.  

During this year’s event, volunteers will have the opportunity to give back to their public lands through floodplain restoration work in the Nome Creek watershed, including collecting and planting willow stakes, perennial forb plugs, and seeds at stations led by BLM. Healthy and diverse streambank and floodplain vegetation improves habitat for Arctic grayling and other aquatic species. These volunteer efforts build on decades of restoration work by the BLM and strengthen this recreational fishery’s ecosystem. 

"Last year's ‘Growing Together’ event was a big hit, with volunteers from the Fairbanks region learning to successfully plant hundreds of willow stakes that are alive and growing well this year," said Biological Science Technician Ryan Lane. “We hope the event becomes an annual tradition for our community and inspires people to take an active role in caring for and restoring the Nome Creek watershed.” 

To volunteer, please contact Ryan Lane ([email protected], 907-474-2345) or Andrew Siciliano ([email protected], 907-474-2331) by September 14 with your interest. Your registration will be confirmed by BLM staff. No experience is necessary. Just bring a water bottle, enthusiasm, and dress for the weather. Volunteers will meet at the Nome Creek Bridge in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. 

If you live in Alaska but are not located in the Fairbanks area, the BLM is also hosting a National Public Lands Day volunteer event at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska. These two BLM-hosted events in Alaska are just a few of the many events celebrating National Public Lands Day across the country, reminding us what communities working together can accomplish for the public lands they love. 

The BLM’s White Mountains National Recreation Area is located about an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, off the Steese and Elliott Highways. This one-million-acre area offers year-round access to stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for recreation. With 250 miles of groomed winter trails, summer hiking trails, three campgrounds, 13 public use cabins, and two trail shelters, the White Mountains presents visitors with abundant opportunities to explore their public lands. The White Mountains also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, winter sports, and more. To learn more about the White Mountain National Recreation Area and plan a future visit, visit the BLM White Mountain National Recreation Area website.