National Public Lands Day Volunteer Events

Join us annually on the 4th Saturday in September to spruce up an area of public lands. We do our best to make these events fun and accessible for a large number of people across the San Juan Mountains. No experience is necessary and kids are welcome! This year, we are offering events in three locations: La Plata Canyon, Ironton Valley, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument! So depending on where you live, you can help keep America’s Public Lands beautiful and healthy.

WHEN

Saturday, September 26, 2026

WHERE

Option 1: La Plata Canyon Campsite Clean Up

• We’ll have some friendly competition to see who can collect the most litter, artistically naturalize a fire ring, find the most interesting piece of trash, etc.
• 10am – 2pm
• Meet at La Plata Canyon entrance gate, CR 124. Or you can choose to vanpool from the SJMA / SJNF offices in Durango.
• Lunch is included
• Be prepared by wearing close-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. If you can, bring your own eye protection and work gloves. SJMA has additional gloves and eye pro.
• If interested, contact MK at mkthompson@sjma.org.
• To register, visit SJMA’s Volunteer Opportunity page, click on “STEWARDSHIP: National Public Lands Day”, then choose which event you’ll be attending.

Option 2: Ironton Valley Campsite Clean Up

• We’ll have some friendly competition to see who can collect the most litter, artistically naturalize a fire ring, find the most interesting piece of trash, etc.
• 10am – 2pm
• Meet at Ironton Park “Staging Area”, off of Hwy 550.
• Be prepared by wearing close-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. If you can, bring your own eye protection and work gloves. SJMA has additional gloves and eye pro.
• SJMA is partnering with the Ridgway Ouray Community Council.
• To register, visit SJMA’s Volunteer Opportunity page, click on “STEWARDSHIP: National Public Lands Day”, then choose which event you’ll be attending.

Option 3: Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Cleanup and Trail Repair at Lowry Pueblo

• Join the BLM, Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance (SCCA), and Osprey for a hands-on stewardship day at Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark. Help care for this remarkable cultural site by repairing trails, improving the picnic area, and clearing vegetation around the pueblo and kiva.
• 9am – 12pm
• Meet in the parking lot of Lowry Pueblo off of County Road CC | Street Address: County Rd 7.25, Pleasant View, CO 81331
• For more information and to register, visit SCCA website.