Every September, people all across the country come together for National Public Lands Day (NPLD)—a day dedicated to giving back to the parks, trails, forests, and open spaces that we all share. This year, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, we’re excited to celebrate the role the New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg plays in keeping our local public lands healthy, beautiful, and open for everyone to enjoy.
How We Pitch In
If you’ve ever walked a trail, relaxed at a park, or explored preserved land in Warren County, chances are you’ve seen (or walked on!) some of the work our crews have helped with. Thanks to our partnerships with the Town of Phillipsburg, the Warren County Department of Land Preservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), our Corps members get hands-on experience making a real difference outdoors.
Here are just a few ways we help care for our public lands:
🌱 Pulling out invasive plants and planting native ones so wildlife has a healthy home
🚶♀️ Building and repairing trails so they’re safe and accessible
🛠️ Fixing up picnic areas, fences, and park facilities
🌊 Helping with conservation projects that protect waterways and open space
It’s hard work sometimes, but it’s also rewarding—our members gain job skills, learn about the environment, and see firsthand the impact of their efforts in the community.
Why It Matters
Corpsmembers learn teamwork and communication skills working to help maintain public assets like parks and trails.
National Public Lands Day isn’t just about one day of service. It’s about remembering that our parks and open spaces need year-round care—and that when we all pitch in, amazing things can happen. With the support of our partners in Warren County and the NJDEP, we’re proud to do our part in keeping these places thriving.
The work also helps reengage youth with the great outdoors - we use these outdoor spaces as an extension of our classrooms, allowing Corpsmembers to reinforce lessons learned while physically engaging in their learning process.
Celebrate With Us
This weekend, we hope you’ll celebrate National Public Lands Day in your own way: volunteer at a park, take a hike, enjoy some fresh air, or just pause to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Public lands are OURS to enjoy and protect!
From all of us at the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg, happy National Public Lands Day! Let’s keep working together to take care of the lands we love—for today, tomorrow, and generations to come!
Do you know a young person who would like to earn money while pursuing their high school diploma and gaining employable skills through work experiences? Call or text GOALS to 908-859-2969 to learn more about the program or have them apply for an upcoming Youth Corps class at njycphillipsburg.com/apply-now
ABOUT NEW JERSEY YOUTH CORPS OF PHILLIPSBURG:
Funded by the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development, The New Jersey Youth Corps is a four-month program for 16-25 year old out-of-school youth that combines academic instruction with job readiness experiences. Youth Corps helps identify and dismantle barriers to success. Participants can earn up to $1,900 in incentives over the course of the program. Additionally, NJYC provides transitional services to all participants post program completion into employment, secondary education, credentialed training, etc.
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