Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day Date in the current year: September 7, 2024

The observance was established in 1985 as the Federal Lands National Cleanup Day. In 1995, it was renamed to honor William Carl Garner, an American engineer who organized a citizen cleanup of Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River in Arkansas where he served as resident engineer.

Garner initiated the first annual lake shore cleanup program in 1970. His program was nationally acclaimed and even received the Keep America Beautiful Award twice.

On Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day, various activities, ceremonies, and programs take place. This observance aims to raise citizens' awareness of the problem of litter and encourage them to preserve the environment during the entire year.

This observance is not a public holiday therefore government offices, educational institutions, and businesses remain open on this day. However, schools often organize various activities dedicated to environmental protection.