BLM launches Freedom 250 Volunteer Celebration
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WASHINGTON – April is National Volunteer Month. With that in mind, the Bureau of Land Management, with support from the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, is pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Volunteer Celebration — an agencywide effort to recognize and inspire volunteer service on America’s public lands throughout 2026.
As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary and the BLM marks its 80th year of stewarding public lands, this initiative invites people of all ages and backgrounds to give back to the public lands they love.
“I am excited to celebrate this milestone birthday for our great nation," said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “One thing that makes America great is volunteerism, and through the Freedom 250 Volunteer Celebration we are proud to honor the people who donate their time, energy, and passion to keep public lands healthy and accessible for future generations.”
Throughout the remainder of 2026, the BLM — supported by the Foundation for America’s Public Lands — will highlight and expand opportunities for volunteerism across the nation. From hands-on fieldwork and restoration activities to community science projects and long-term service commitments, there are myriad ways for individuals, families, classrooms, teams, and community groups to get involved.
“Connecting people to their public lands and building a culture of shared stewardship and volunteerism is at the heart of our mission,” said I Ling Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands. “Our public lands need our help now more than ever, and the BLM’s Freedom 250 Volunteer Celebration offers a meaningful way for everyone to get involved and care for the public lands they love. Every hour volunteered helps keep these lands healthy and accessible, while also supporting the local communities that rely on them.”
Join the celebration and track your impact
Volunteer participation is welcome at all levels, whether one can contribute one hour, 250 minutes (about four hours), or 250 hours or more. Individuals who participate in an official BLM volunteer event in 2026 will receive a special Freedom 250 volunteer recognition item to commemorate their service.
Volunteers who contribute 250 hours of lifetime service through federal land management agencies — including the BLM — may also qualify to receive an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, honoring their sustained commitment to public lands stewardship.
Volunteers are encouraged to log their hours and help set a national record for public lands participation through the America Gives platform at https://www.america250.org/america-gives.
For more information and to learn more about BLM volunteer opportunities near you, please visit our Volunteers page.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.