National Public Lands Day: Volunteer with FOPOS // 9.27.25

Join thousands of volunteers nationwide on September 27 for National Public Lands Day. Help protect, preserve, and celebrate “Our Home Outdoors.” From local parks to national forests, our public lands are where memories are made and communities come together.

Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) is hosting land stewardship volunteer sessions on Saturday, September 27th, in celebration of National Public Lands Day. There will be two volunteer sessions: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Come to one or both!

Get your hands in the soil and help restore our local forest!

After a summer of incredible effort from FOPOS interns, dedicated volunteers, and community partners, we’re ready for the next big step in restoring our local natural areas. Invasive species have been cleared and planting sites prepped in two of our critical restoration project areas: the 25-acre riparian restoration project and the 45-acre Community Park North Natural Climate Solutions project.

Now it’s time to plant! This fall, with your help, we’ll be planting more than 2,800 native trees and shrubs.

These plantings will:

• Boost long-term carbon sequestration,
• Provide essential habitat for wildlife, and
• Create a healthier, more resilient environment for the entire community.

What to Bring & Wear:

• Bring Shovels, pick axes, and work/garden gloves (if you have them). We will have some extra tools and gloves also, but we are expecting a large group of volunteers.
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Wear sturdy shoes and dress for working in the woods

We’ll be digging, planting, and mulching and working together to make a tangible impact on our local ecosystem.

Come out, get dirty, and help grow the future, one tree at a time!

Meetup Location: Main Parking Lot for the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve

Directions & Parking: We will meet at the main lot for the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. The address of the Preserve is 57 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Event waiver: Please complete this event waiver - fopos.org/waiver. This needs to be completed once per calendar year.

About FOPOS: Founded in 1969, FOPOS has been working to preserve and protect natural spaces in the greater Princeton area for more than 50 years. As a part of our work, we rely on volunteers to help make progress when it comes to restoration work, such as our current forest and riparian restoration projects in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.

Can't make this session? Consider making a donation to show your love for our local environment! All donations support our year-round stewardship work.