Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day in the 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.

Is Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day a Public Holiday?

Although Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day is not a public holiday, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as California Admission Day in 2023, which is a public holiday in California.

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.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.