INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting outdoor enthusiasts across the state to participate in National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. The annual observance encourages community members to engage in stewardship, volunteerism, and outdoor recreation across Indiana’s state parks, forests, and nature preserves.
Established nationally in 1994, National Public Lands Day represents the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public spaces. Hoosiers looking to get involved can check the Indiana DNR Calendar of Events to locate scheduled volunteer opportunities, habitat restoration projects, and educational workshops hosted across the state.
Volunteer Opportunities and Digital Conservation
For those participating in person, local DNR sites are offering clean-up and trail maintenance projects. Scheduled activities include a volunteer trail-building event at Moraine Nature Preserve, where volunteers can assist agency staff in rerouting and shaping forest paths.
Residents seeking to support conservation efforts from home can access a series of educational videos produced by the DNR. The instructional content highlights public land management strategies, wildlife preservation initiatives, and the broader environmental role of state-managed habitats.
Overlapping Outdoor Events and License Support
In Indiana, Sept. 26 also coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, as well as the state’s final Free Fishing Day of the year. On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents can fish public waters without purchasing a fishing license or state stamp, providing an entry point for beginners and families. The date additionally marks the opening of Youth Deer Season, alongside open seasons for squirrel, dove, and bullfrog.
DNR officials emphasize that purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license remains a primary source of funding for state conservation. Revenue generated from license sales directly supports fish and wildlife habitat management, public access maintenance, and land acquisition efforts across Indiana.
To view the full schedule of statewide events or purchase a sporting license, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources web portal.
