Fairfax parks invite neighbors to turn a Saturday morning into public service

A few hours outdoors can make a visible difference close to home this weekend. Fairfax County's Park Authority is marking National Public Lands Day on September 26 with volunteer projects across its park system.

The county schedule lists Saturday litter pickups at Ossian Hall Park and Arrowbrook Park and Wetlands from 9–11 a.m. Huntley Meadows has an invasive-plant pull at the same time; Lake Fairfax's litter pickup runs 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Check the project before heading out

Use the county's registration links to confirm availability, meeting points, age requirements and equipment. Different tasks call for different levels of physical effort, so choose a project that fits your group.

The morning also includes a 9 a.m. unveiling of new Cross County Trail signage honoring Gerry Connolly, at Lake Accotink's McLaren Sargent Pavilion.

For residents who cannot join Saturday, the same county page links to ongoing volunteering. A recurring commitment can start with one well-chosen morning.