Saturday, September 26 is National Public Lands Day, a day to celebrate the millions of acres of America’s public lands that we use for recreation, education, and just plain enjoyment. Chances are there is a public land not far from where you live. It may be a local, state or national park. It might be a historic building, community garden, golf course or ski area! Here in New Jersey, we have five Federally managed national wildlife refuges, all of which are public lands. Can you name them all?

Take time this fall to celebrate our public lands. Go outside and enjoy a park, refuge or public area near you. Check to see if there are ways that you can volunteer to help restore, improve and maintain these areas. Say thank you to those who had the foresight and dedication to set these lands aside for all of us to enjoy. And remember to protect and preserve these lands for the enjoyment of generations to come. 

Take a look here at a video showing all 135 entries in our 2020 Photo Contest, another way to enjoy and appreciate the diversity and beauty of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – Your national wildlife refuge!