National Public Lands Stewardship Day September 26, 2026

MSHI is excited to be part of three amazing events at the Science and Learning Center in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

National Public Lands Day is a celebration of our public lands, including the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument! September 26 is a fee-free day for all federal public lands.

The following events are free to attend; please pre-register for the two volunteer events.

Event #1: Off-trail Stewardship Day with a Bonus Guided Hike – Registration Required

Time:

• Volunteering: 10 am - 1 pm
• Lunch: 1 pm - 2 pm
• Guided walk: 2 pm - 4 pm

Location:

• Volunteering: Science and Learning Center
• Guided Walk: Hummocks Trail (5 minute drive from the building)

Are you ready for a challenge? Help us take care of Mount St. Helens by removing invasive weeds with a beautiful view of the volcano, then join us for a guided hike on the Hummocks Trail.

What we’ll do together:

This activity requires walking on uneven, sloping terrain and performing tasks that involve bending, pulling, and lifting. We will be working a short 10-15 minute walk from the Science & Learning Center, which has bathrooms and running water. We will use hand tools to cut and bag noxious weed species.

Optional Guided Hike:

Join us for a post-service guided hike on the Hummocks Trail. This 2.4-mile hike will take us through remnants of the 1980 eruptions and the forests that are returning.

What to bring:

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes
• Come prepared with layers for the weather. This may include sun protection (such as a hat and sunscreen) and/or rain gear.
• Plenty of water. Water will be available to fill water bottles.
• Sack lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
• If you have work gloves, loppers, and eye protection (glasses, safety glasses, or sunglasses), please bring them.

For detailed information, visit our stewardship day program page.

Event #2: Interpretive Lakes Trail Cleanup – Registration Required

Time:

• Volunteering: 10 am - 1 pm
• Lunch: 1 pm - 2 pm
• Interpretive walk: 2 pm - 4 pm

Location:

• Birth of a Lake Trail / Coldwater Lake

What we’ll do together:

Join the Mount St. Helens Institute for a day of cleaning and improving the well-traveled and loved Birth of a Lake Trail at Coldwater Lake! We will spend the morning doing some light brushing, retreading, and picking up litter, then learn more about the eruptive history of Mount St. Helens and the continued effects of the 1980 eruption, which created several lakes including Coldwater.

The cleanup activity requires walking, bending, and pulling weeds on paved and boardwalked trails within 1/2 mile of a parking lot, with some work taking place off-trail.

Post-service Interpretive Walk:

Join us after lunch for a post-service interpretive walk to learn all about the eruption and its effects on the landscape.

What to bring:

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes
• Come prepared with layers for the weather. This may include sun protection (such as a hat and sunscreen) and/or rain gear.
• Plenty of water. Water will be available to fill water bottles.
• Sack lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
• If you have work gloves, loppers, and eye protection (glasses, safety glasses, or sunglasses), please bring them.

For detailed information and to register, visit the event registration page.