There’s something about spending a morning outdoors, getting your hands a little dirty, and doing something good for the community that just lingers with you. I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for National Public Lands Day this year—but by the end of it, I was already sure I’d come back next year.

I didn’t expect to have such a good time at National Public Lands Day 2025, but honestly? It was one of the most rewarding Saturdays I’ve had all year.

I found out about NPLD through Soua Vang, who is in charge of the volunteering activities for the Kings River Fisheries Management Program (KRFMP). They do volunteer work on the Kings River such as monthly clean-ups, as well as the fish population surveys. I am currently volunteering for the Kings River Fisheries Management Program because I’m taking a marketing class in college which requires me to volunteer for a community benefit organization. I chose the Kings River Fisheries Management Program because, generally, I enjoy being outdoors and getting fresh air, except, of course, when its in the triple digits outside. I am drawn to the “getting away from it all” aspect of being in nature, but unfortunately, I rarely get the chance to just relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Until recently that is, when it came time to choose an organization to volunteer for. It was obvious that volunteering for the Kings River Fisheries Management Program was the perfect opportunity to fulfill my desire to be outdoors while still getting my work done.

On September 27th, I met up with a group of other volunteers  at the Kings River Wildlife Area in Piedra, California, bright and early at 7:30 a.m. The organizers made us feel welcome —there was free coffee, tea and bagels available at check-in. In my opinion, drinking piping hot coffee when the sun isn’t fully shining yet is the perfect way to kickstart a day working outdoors.

By around 8:15 a.m., we got down to business. Our first mission of the day: planting food plots and pollinator plots for the local wildlife. Basically, we were helping set the table with food for everything from deer to butterflies. Using handheld spreaders and rakes, we scattered wild grain seeds and wildflower seeds across the area. It was simple work, but there was something really satisfying about it. You could actually imagine the space bursting with life in a few months.

Once we wrapped that up, we all gathered under some shade for a much-needed break and some ice-cold water (which tasted amazing in the morning heat). After recharging, the group split into two teams. One team headed off to paint the restrooms, which had been vandalized by graffiti and was in need of some love and care. The other group tackled trimming the low-hanging branches in the parking lot across the Kings River Wildlife Area, which was much also much needed considering that we are fast approaching fall, and before we know it, it will be winter.

I ended up on “Team Paintbrush”, and I’m glad I did. It felt good to give something neglected a fresh coat and a little dignity back. Sure, I splashed some paint on my shoes, but honestly, it was worth it. The two other guys in my group were hilarious; they kept cracking jokes the whole time, and we were laughing almost as much as we were painting. It didn’t feel like work, it felt like hanging out with friends while doing something that mattered.

With that, we wrapped up around 11:20 a.m. and headed back for lunch. Free sandwiches, chips, and cold drinks galore. Everyone sat around chatting, sunburned and smiling, with that good kind of tired feeling you only get after doing something worthwhile. The US Army Corps of Engineer rangers were kind and genuinely thankful for the help, which made the whole thing feel even better.

Driving home, covered in a few paint spots and a thin layer of dirt, I couldn’t stop thinking about how good it felt to be part of something bigger than myself. There’s a certain kind of joy that comes from doing good just because you can. It’s grounding, and feeds the soul.

So—I’ll definitely be back for NPLD 2026. If this year’s event was any indication, next year will be another great opportunity to connect with nature, lend a helping hand, and make the Kings River Wildlife Area a little better than we found it.

Want to join next year?

National Public Lands Day happens every year across the country. You can also find more volunteer opportunities and learn more at https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/conservation/national-public-lands-day.

We hope to see you out there next year for National Public Lands Day 2026, together, we can keep the Kings River area thriving for generations to come!