National Park Foundation

Today, NPF is celebrating a historic, $100 million-dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that will scale and accelerate our mission to ensure national parks are protected, accessible, and welcoming – today and for future generations. For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. The grant will be used toward safeguarding threatened wildlife and land, inspiring the next generation of park stewards, preserving the story of America, and enhancing the visitor experience in our 430 national parks. Learn more about how this grant will drive impact at NPF: https://lnkd.in/eFUzrsd5

On this day in 1916, the National Park Service was created to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." When exploring a national park, think about: 🏞️ The rangers and staff that make the awesome happen, 🌳 The foresight of those who set aside these treasures for all to enjoy, 📖 The lessons we learn about our history and about our world. Happy birthday, National Park Service! 📸: Rory Dean, Share the Experience

Did you know that fireflies use unique light patterns to find mates? The Bethany Beach firefly, a rare species known for its two green flashes, has been spotted at Assateague Island National Seashore! This discovery led to a partnership between the National Park Service and Delaware State University to study the firefly’s habitat and inform protection strategies of the species for many summers to come! https://lnkd.in/eRWifkvw

For the eighth year, Apple is celebrating national parks by donating $10 to NPF for each purchase made through Apple using Apple Pay, as well as through an Apple Watch Activity Challenge on August 25 and special content collections. Apple helps NPF connect people to enriching experiences in America’s national parks like The EcoLogik Institute. At Cabrillo National Monument, the two-week summer camp is inspiring young explorers to pursue careers in STEM. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eDdQtUiP 📸: Brooke Wilder

On August 14-16, 1908, Black residents of Springfield, Illinois were targeted and victimized by mass racial violence from white residents. The race riot had reverberations nationwide — highlighting that such violence wasn’t exclusive to the deep south. Today, the site was officially designated as a national monument through the Antiquities Act! NPF helped facilitate the acquisition and transfer of the land. Establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument helps ensure that the National Park Service can tell a more complete and inclusive story of the history and ongoing civil rights movement in America. https://lnkd.in/eiW8yvVn

We are in awe of the latest adventurous collaboration with Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps and Southwest Conservation Corps supported by incredible partnerships with National Park Foundation, National Park Service, Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Grand Canyon Youth 🛶 This summer, ALCC invited SCC's Indigenous youth crews to embark on an unforgettable journey, rafting through the majestic Grand Canyon and diving into hands-on science education. Their expedition not only fostered teamwork and resilience but also deepened their connection to nature and each other. "I really enjoyed being at the Grand Canyon and learning science. I love working with SCC (Southwest Conservation Corps). SCC has changed me to be a better person for myself and others... I never thought that I would find nice people that like to be outdoors as much as I do. Everyone was awesome and unique in their own way." - Crew member with SCC Stay tuned for more stories of incredible journeys! ✨

With support from the National Park Foundation’s Open OutDoors for Kids program and donors like Columbia Sportswear Company, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park engaged nearly 8,000 elementary school students last year in their field trip program, “Exploring Chattanooga's History Through the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.” “We are extremely proud of our deep relationship with the National Park Foundation and our shared commitment to enriching the lives of students through the power of the outdoors,” said Abel Navarrete, VP of Sustainability and Community Impact at Columbia Sportswear. “We know that programs like Open Outdoors For Kids can have a huge impact on communities and we’re honored to play a role in helping them spend more time outside.” National parks are America’s largest living classrooms. Since 2011, NPF’s Open OutDoors for Kids program has connected more than 2 million kids to hands-on learning opportunities in national parks! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/egfKYCvr

Since the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) became law four years ago today, it has supported over 72,000 jobs and improved experiences for 312 million visitors. GAOA has funded essential restoration projects at national parks across all 50 states. From a new maintenance facility in Acadia to campground renovations at Yosemite, GAOA has significantly enhanced our park’s infrastructure, ensuring that our national parks remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone! 📸: Mayskyphoto

This year, NPF has awarded $5.4 million in grants to support 45 service corps projects across 58 parks! Service corps crews help national parks address recreation, conservation, disaster response, and community needs in and around national parks, and they help people turn their passion for the outdoors into careers! Now in its 6th year, NPF’s Service Corps program is placing a priority on funding innovative projects that can be models for addressing the impacts of climate change and increased visitation are seen across the National Park System. Read more about this year’s projects: https://lnkd.in/eDygiK-s

Everyone needs a place to live and finding affordable housing is becoming a challenge everywhere — including in the communities near national parks. Without affordable and quality housing, it can be hard for some parks to recruit and retain great park rangers and staff. Thanks to support from our perennial partners, like L.L.Bean, we are working to enhance resources for park rangers and staff, including making investments in employee housing. Investments in employee housing across the county will help ensure National Park Service can fulfill its mission and that rangers and staff can continue to create a positive visitor experience at national parks! https://lnkd.in/d5Y9mCz8