The seventh annual National Forest Week is from June 9 to 15 this year. Hosted by the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the week includes several community events, volunteer opportunities, and a photo contest. It is a great time to get out and explore the national forests near you — or go on a trip and visit one you’ve always wanted to see.

　　The National Forest Foundation (NFF) partnered with local organizations to host a series of events in various states, including North Carolina, Idaho, New Mexico, and California.

　　Lookout Lake in Medicine Bow National Forest; (photo/Maciej Cuipa via Flickr) Not inclined to volunteer? That’s OK. You can celebrate your own way by simply getting out and enjoying your national forests. Go for a hike. Go on a camping trip. Or just go drive. With 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands across the country —many of them with free campsites — there’s no shortage of opportunities to avoid the crowds.

　　National Forest Week celebrates the unmatched outdoor experiences found in our National Forests, Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, president and CEO of NFF, said in a statement. From hiking, biking, and hunting to fishing, paddling, and camping, these 193 million acres offer something for everyone. This summer, we invite all Americans to get outside, explore their public lands, and join the National Forest Foundation in caring for them.”

　　Four States, Numerous Events, and Big Prizes Throughout the week, NFF is hosting events in four different U.S. cities. You can participate in trail work, help plant trees, play trivia, go on bike rides and drink beer, take guided walks, and generally celebrate everything about our National Forests.

　　Here is a full rundown of the events listed by city and date. For more details about each event, visit the NFF webpage for National Forest Week.

　　(Photo/National Forest Foundation) Asheville, NC June 7: G5 Trail Collective trail work day at Camp Grier

　　June 10: Community celebration and panel discussion at Blueprint for Impact

　　June 14: Pisgah Area SORBA volunteer trail work and guided mountain bike ride

　　June 14: G5 Trail Collective trail work day on the Grandfather Ranger District

　　(Photo/National Forest Foundation) Boise, ID June 7: Stewardship seedling plantings at Bogus Basin

　　June 8: National Forest Trivia Night at Lost Grove Brewing with prizes

　　(Photo/National Forest Foundation) Santa Fe, NM June 12: Santa Fe Brewing Co. group bike ride and beers

　　June 13: Santa Fe Watershed River cleanup

　　June 14: Guided Bird Walk at Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctua

　　June 15: Family-friendly community celebration at Nuckolls Brewing

　　(Photo/National Forest Foundation) Truckee, CA June 14: Stewardship trail restoration project with Truckee Dirt Union

　　June 14: Community celebration with The Landmark Project and local partners at Alibi Ale Works with raffle prizes, food, drinks, and public lands storytelling

　　National Forest Week Photo Contest

　　A mountain goat emerged unscathed after taking a 1,000-foot ride on an avalanche in Montanas Gallatin National Forest; (photo/Shutterstock) Fancy yourself a photographer? Enter the photo contest by submitting your favorite shots in national forests.

　　Contest winners can expect prizes from Big Agnes, Helinox, Peak Design, Southwest Airlines, and RVshare. The grand prize winner will win the Ultimate Adventure Package with two free plane tickets, a $1,500 RVshare rental credit, and $500 cash.

　　There are three photo categories, including Who Were With, Where We Thrive, and What Makes Us Come Alive. Submit your photos through the online portal by June 15. The winners will be announced sometime in late July.

　　You can find more info about the contest, categories, rules, and prizes here.

　　Still not convinced? Peruse theNational Forest Foundationwebsite to find other ways to get involved. You can also donate to the foundation or shop the sweet T-shirts from the organization’s partnership withThe Landmark Project.

　　No matter what you choose, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of America’s forests — and the importance of protecting them. And take advantage of National Forest Week by getting outside, getting involved, or finding your own way to appreciate our public lands.

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