BLM Eastern States Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Community Stewardship and Restoration

Oct 20, 2026

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern States marked National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on September 26 with two standout volunteer events. Showcasing community dedication, hands-on stewardship, and strong partnerships across public lands. From Virginia’s diverse recreation landscapes to the coastal ecosystems of South Florida, volunteers worked together to restore habitats, enhance recreational spaces, and connect with the natural treasures BLM manages.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area

Dozens of volunteers work together to plant mangrove seedlings along a waterfront shoreline protected by a rock breakwater and seawall. — Volunteers plant mangrove seedlings along the shoreline at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in South Florida as part of National Public Lands Day habitat restoration.

At the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA), at least 159 volunteers participated in National Public Lands Day stewardship. The day brought together more than 60 volunteers from Lynn University, local high schools, and the outdoor company ManGear joined forces to support one of BLM’s hallmark coastal sites. Ideal weather—a cool morning and breezy, sunny afternoon—set the stage for a full day of restoration work.

Volunteers plant young mangrove trees along a restored shoreline stabilization structure, placing potted seedlings in rows beside a seawall under a clear blue sky. — A volunteer prepares planting sites for mangrove seedlings during National Public Lands Day at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.

A significant effort was led by an additional 50 volunteers from MANG Apparel, who completed terrestrial plantings totaling 4,000 native plants. Another 48 volunteers focused on mangrove restoration, planting 730 mangrove seedlings along sensitive shoreline areas. These efforts strengthened dune and mangrove habitats vital for coastal resilience and wildlife.

Trays of native grasses and wetland plants sit on sandy ground awaiting installation at a coastal restoration site, with vegetation and buildings visible in the distance. — Native plants are staged for terrestrial habitat restoration at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, where volunteers planted thousands of seedlings for National Public Lands Day.

After their hard work, volunteers were invited to climb the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, where panoramic views stretching for miles provided a memorable finish to a meaningful day of service.

Newly planted coastal trees supported by wooden braces line a sandy restoration area near a shoreline, with maintenance vehicles and equipment in the background. — Newly planted coastal trees are braced with supports at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area as part of National Public Lands Day restoration work.

Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area

Farther north in Virginia, the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) hosted its annual NPLD celebration. The day featured three volunteer projects and two public recreation events, drawing about 25 volunteers to support improvements across Meadowood’s diverse recreation landscapes.

A group of volunteers uses hand tools to clear invasive vegetation and restore habitat in a dense, wooded natural area. — Volunteers remove invasive vegetation at Mustang Meadow in Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area during National Public Lands Day restoration efforts.

Volunteers tackled invasive species removal at Mustang Meadow, built new picnic tables for visitor use, and constructed a mountain bike rock‑garden feature along the Yard Sale Trail—enhancing both habitat health and recreation opportunities.

Volunteers assemble a metal picnic table beneath a large open-air pavilion in a park setting with grassy fields and trees nearby. — Volunteers assemble a new picnic table at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area as part of National Public Lands Day stewardship projects.

Meadowood’s partners also contributed significantly to the day’s excitement. FishingCommunities.org hosted a veteran’s fishing event at Hidden Pond, while the Northern Virginia Control Line Club drew more than 15 participants for its annual Stuntfest model‑aircraft flying competition.

Several model airplanes and flight equipment are arranged on a grassy field before a flying demonstration or hobby event. — Model aircraft rest on the grass during the Northern Virginia Control Line Club’s annual Stuntfest competition held in coordination with Meadowood’s National Public Lands Day celebration.

The event was considered a resounding success, demonstrating the strong commitment volunteers and partners share for Meadowood’s public lands. Staff expressed gratitude to all who participated and invites the community to return for Meadowood’s 25th Birthday Party on October 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mustang Trailhead.

Adults and children stand on a wooden boardwalk overlooking a wetland pond surrounded by cattails and forest vegetation. — A child and two adults spend the morning fishing at Hidden Pond during Meadowood’s National Public Lands Day events in Lorton, Va.

A Shared Commitment to Stewardship

Together, these NPLD events highlight how communities across BLM Eastern States continue to champion stewardship, restore critical habitats, and enhance public enjoyment of America’s natural landscapes. Through collaboration, education, and volunteerism, NPLD remains a defining example of how public lands thrive when everyone lends a hand.

Story by:

Amanda Keener, Public Affairs Specialist

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