Ever since it was created in 1916, the National Parks system was built on the idea that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. It is now up to us to ensure these lands are preserved for generations to come. Here are some organizations that you can support to keep America’s Best Idea alive.
“We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.” – Theodore Roosevelt
NatureBridge fosters environmental literacy to sustain our planet. Through hands-on environmental science programs in nature’s classroom, we bring science to life for more than 30,000 children and teens each year. With our vision for a more sustainable planet, we advocate for effective environmental education in our schools to create pathways to environmental literacy for all young people.
The National Park Foundation, the official charitable partner of the National Park Service, enriches America’s national parks and programs through the support of private citizens, park lovers, stewards of nature, history enthusiasts, and wilderness adventurers. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the Foundation grew out of a legacy of park protection that began over a century ago, when ordinary citizens took action to establish and protect our national parks.
National Recreation and Park Association is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks, recreation and conservation. Our work draws national focus to the far-reaching impact of successes generated at the local level. Leveraging their role in conservation,health and wellness, and social equity to improve their communities NRPA’s members of park and recreation professionals and advocates are 60,000 strong and represent public spaces in urban communities, rural settings and everything in between.
Since its founding in 1919, National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America’s favorite places. With 1.3 million members and supporters, the NPCA is the voice of America’s national parks, working to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations.
Yosemite Conservancy is raising $20 million to restore Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove. This project will preserve the trees and the extraordinary experiences they make possible, as well as the unique wildlife that call the Mariposa Grove home.
Visit yosemite.orgGrand Teton National Park Foundation has joined Grand Teton National Park in a $17 million, multi-year partnership project honoring the NPS centennial. This project will transform Jenny Lake’s trails, bridges, key destinations, and visitor complex creating an inviting trail system and captivating experience for the 21st century visitor.
Visit gtnpf.orgThe Conservancy For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, through its Trails Forever Capital Project fundraising campaign, is helping the park develop a new system of off-road bicycle trails along the park’s eastern edge.
Visit CVNP