Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day in United States

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day is observed in the United States on the first Saturday after Labor Day.  It is a day when people are encouraged to participate in cleaning up the federal lands and features various programs and activities.

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day is a time for people to cooperate in preserving their environment, particularly federal public land, recreation areas and waterways. ©iStockphoto.com/luoman

What do people do?

Each year the president of the United States issues a proclamation calling on people to observe Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. However, activities may occur on a day other than the first Saturday after Labor Day if a federal land manager decides that an alternative date is more appropriate because of climatological or other factors. Each federal land management agency organizes cleanup and maintenance activities together with volunteers and state and local authorities.

The targeted areas for Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day are federal public land, recreation areas and waterways within the agency’s jurisdiction. Activities that occur on the day aim to: continue public and private sector cooperation in preserving the beauty and safety of these areas; increase people’s sense of ownership and community pride in these areas; reduce litter along federal lands; and maintain and improve trails, recreation areas, waterways, and facilities.

In previous years, many communities took part in various cleanup activities on the day. For example, the annual Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Cleanup has attracted hundreds of volunteers and featured entertainment. Local businesses also pledged their support for the event.

Public life

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However some people who work on a Saturday may leave work early or planned a day off in advance to participate in events for the day. Local businesses, such as food stores, may operate at reduced hours to host lunches for volunteers during the day.

Background

In the 1980s a man named Carl Garner organized a large citizen cleanup of the area around Greers Ferry Lake. Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day evolved as a result of Garner’s work. The day was created in 1985 by the Federal Lands Cleanup Act as the "Federal Lands National Cleanup Day". It was renamed in 1995 to honor Carl Garner. Garner has served on the boards of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and Keep America Beautiful.

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day Observances

Other holidays in September 2012 in United States

• Labor Day ―Monday, September 3, 2012
• International Literacy Day ―Saturday, September 8, 2012
• National Grandparents Day ―Sunday, September 9, 2012
• World Suicide Prevention Day ―Monday, September 10, 2012
• Patriot Day ―Tuesday, September 11, 2012
• International Day for South-South Cooperation ―Wednesday, September 12, 2012
• International Day of Democracy ―Saturday, September 15, 2012
• International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer ―Sunday, September 16, 2012
• Rosh Hashana ―Monday, September 17, 2012
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day ―Monday, September 17, 2012
• International Talk Like a Pirate Day ―Wednesday, September 19, 2012
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day ―Friday, September 21, 2012
• International Day of Peace ―Friday, September 21, 2012
• September equinox ―Saturday, September 22, 2012
• Emancipation Day ―Saturday, September 22, 2012
• Yom Kippur ―Wednesday, September 26, 2012
• World Maritime Day ―Thursday, September 27, 2012
• World Tourism Day ―Thursday, September 27, 2012
• World Rabies Day ―Friday, September 28, 2012
• Gold Star Mother's Day ―Sunday, September 30, 2012
• World Heart Day ―Sunday, September 30, 2012