Patch Parents: How To Get Free Admission To National Parks Saturday In California

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entrance to all national parks across the Golden State and country is free Saturday, Sept. 28.

"National Public Lands Day is a reminder to visit your nearest national park and the fun programming the park service offers," said Mel Vigil, community volunteer ambassador for San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park .

This year, tens of thousands of volunteers across the country are expected to participate in planting and trail maintenance projects, trash pick-ups and other activities aimed at restoring and caring for public lands to celebrate the 30th annual National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive a fee-free coupon for any park, while supplies last.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is among the national park sites hosting volunteer events Saturday in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Located in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, the park includes a fleet of historic ships, Aquatic Park Historic District, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Center and a visitor center.

"A lot of people come through our park to learn about maritime history and enjoy the beautiful marine environment of Aquatic Park ," Vigil told Patch. "Our park is hosting a Cove Clean-Up volunteer event for anyone who wants to participate in community work and celebrate the beauty of the marine environment."

Point Reyes National Seashore , a park preserve on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, is hosting an Ice Plant Pull volunteer event Saturday. Volunteers will improve native habitats by removing invasive plants.

"Of course, any day can be a good day to visit a National Park Service site, but National Public Lands Day in particular gives you a chance to connect to the place in a more tangible way and perhaps a new way for many park visitors," said Rich Moorer, acting interpretive program manager at Point Reyes National Seashore.

From its rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its forested ridges and open grasslands, Point Reyes offers visitors more than 1,500 species of plants and animals to discover, according to the National Park Service.

"This is a great opportunity for folks to learn new things about Point Reyes and the effects invasive plants have on the seashore," Moorer said about the event. "However, that is just one way you can connect with the seashore. You can go for a hike, look for whales, or just find a quiet spot to enjoy nature."

You don't have to volunteer to visit a national park for free Saturday. National Public Lands Day is one of six days this year that all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

Can't make it to a park this weekend? Veterans Day, which falls on Monday, Nov. 11, is the next and final entrance fee-free day of the year.