Today, we’re honoring a very special holiday: Public Lands Day! Are you familiar with it? The first-ever Public Lands Day occurred in 1994 and is observed annually on September 28th. It’s a celebration of our beautiful public lands and an important reminder to keep these areas clean, healthy, and thriving for years to come!
We here at NoSo Patches live and breathe the outdoor life—taking every chance we can to soak up the natural wonder of our public lands. For instance, our founder Kelli Jones spends her weekends biking and exploring the public areas around Grand Teton National Park. Some of her favorite spots include Shadow Mountain and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
All of this is to say that public lands are in our company’s DNA. In fact, the original NoSo designs were inspired by the bright blue color of Icefloe Lake.
We are head over heels for public lands and will be celebrating Public Lands Day in our local area in our own ways—with nifty outdoor gear repair patches on hand, of course.
Hoping to make the most of Public Lands Day? There are lots of ways you can celebrate through volunteering, raising awareness, and visiting national parks for free! Here are a handful of tips to make the most of this delightful holiday.
Join a Volunteering Event
Looking for a hands-on way to make a difference? Many parks and public lands host volunteer events like trail cleanups, habitat restoration, and tree planting. It’s easy to find out about these events by calling your ranger station, checking social media profiles, and joining email newsletters in your area.
But even if you can’t find an official event, you can start your own. Just grab a few friends, some trash and recycling bags, and hit your local trails, beaches, and parks.
Whether you’re joining a volunteering event or kicking it DIY, show up in patched-up gear that reflects your personality and passion for public lands. It’s a creative way to spread the message of upcycling and sustainability!
Practice Leave No Trace
Restoring natural areas is super helpful. But it’s also smart to make sure that your time outdoors isn’t adding to the problem. How well do you know your LNT 7? The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:
- Plan and prepare. The more prepared you are, the better. This includes paying attention to local restrictions, watching the weather, knowing the trails, bringing necessities, and the like.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stick to well-worn trails and camping spots. These areas have already been impacted, so it helps reduce the wear and tear on the natural environment.
- Properly dispose of waste. Litter is gross and ugly. Toss your trash, recycle what you can, and always pack out what you bring in.
- Leave what you find. It’s tempting to pocket stones, pinecones, shells, and leaves. But honestly, they belong to the ecosystem. Leave them be.
- Minimize campfire impacts. One spark or smolder could ignite a big fire. Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT! If you can place your bare hand over the coals for a full 30 seconds, it’s likely safe.
- Respect wildlife. Animals need space to be animals. Keep your food stored away from curious critters. Don’t chase the wildlife. Follow park rules regarding pets.
- Be considerate to other visitors. The operative word in public lands is “public,” meaning they belong to everyone.
Pretty cool tips, right? Follow these principles when visiting public lands. And gently remind others to be mindful of their impact too.
Visit, Support, and Advocate for Your Public Lands
Whether it’s hiking, camping, fishing, or just having a picnic, enjoying your local parks is a great way to appreciate public lands. Since NoSo is based in Wyoming, we often explore our public trails, lakes, mountains, and beyond.
Do you post to your social media profiles after an outdoor adventure? Use your posts to share tips for keeping public lands healthy and happy. That’s a small, easy way to advocate for your public lands.
Another way to make a positive impact is through local organizations to raise awareness and work on maintaining public lands. Try seeking out folks in your area; they are almost always looking for more voices and more helping hands.
What about your wallet? You can support nonprofits and other organizations dedicated to the conservation of public lands through donations. Some great organizations include the Snake River Fund and Friends of Bridger-Teton. You can also choose to support eco-friendly and conservation-focused brands like NoSo with your purchases.
Patch and Repair Your Gear
Speaking of eco-smart purchasing power, NoSo Patches help you repair and refresh your outdoor gear and clothing. This is a much better option than trashing a puffy jacket losing its stuffing or an otherwise good tent with a hole in it. By extending the life of your gear, you’re reducing waste, helping protect the environment, and cherishing the public lands we all know and love.
Already using NoSo Patches on your favorite gear? Post photos of your patched-up gear on social media using hashtags like #PublicLandsDay and #Patchdazzle. It’s a great way to inspire others to repair rather than replace—and appreciate the public lands we share.
Another bright idea is to design a custom patch that celebrates your favorite public lands or features symbols of nature, wildlife, or outdoor activities. Every time you wear it, you’ll be reminded of the beauty and importance of protecting these spaces.
By combining your love for the outdoors with NoSo’s eco-friendly patches, you can honor Public Lands Day creatively and sustainably.
Shop NoSo Patches in our online store!