National Park Foundation

The life of Frederick Douglass stands as a powerful testament to the courage and persistence that serves as an inspiration to those who struggle in the cause of liberty and justice. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. As we celebrate his chosen birthday today, February 14, people everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Read more about The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site https://lnkd.in/dVspV9g

Did you know that volcanoes or volcanic landforms can be found in 37 national parks? NPF and Kleenex are working together to protect these spaces and ensure that everyone can enjoy them. This Volcano Week, celebrate by learning more about these giants and check out these limited-edition Kleenex boxes inspired by America’s national parks, available exclusively at Costco this April, during Earth Month. https://bit.ly/4aJFJaS

On this Inauguration Day, we honor this country’s nearly 250-year commitment to a peaceful transfer of power every four years. The National Park Foundation looks forward with optimism to working with the Trump Administration, as we have with every President for nearly 60 years. This is not only a time of transition for our nation, but for our own organization as well. Jeff Reinbold will assume the role of president and CEO on February 1, succeeding Will Shafroth, who has led the organization for nearly a decade during a period of rapid growth in national park philanthropy. This transition is a moment of continuity and opportunity. We will continue to build a foundation for the future, growing and evolving our nation’s national parks in step with the growth and evolution of America.

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose powerful message of justice and equality continues to inspire us. Dr. King's dream of a society where all people are treated with dignity and respect is deeply connected to our national parks. These treasured places belong to everyone, and they offer opportunities for all to connect with nature, find solace, and build a deeper understanding of our shared history. Let us strive to uphold Dr. King's dream by working together to ensure that America’s national parks reflect the diversity of America and provide equitable access for all.

Volunteers with the Ice Age Trail Alliance are building a reroute of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail spans 1,200 miles across Wisconsin’s geologic and glacial features, connecting landscapes, communities, histories, and cultures. Local Fred Nash has worked with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to carve out a new trail, the “Dreamer Trail,” that highlights the features of the last glaciation. More than a dozen National Park Foundation grants over the past five years have enabled the Ice Age Trail Alliance to increase volunteer and staff capacity and advance stakeholder engagement, so that they can continue to forge trails that ignite the imagination. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/ddbHbdaE

Blackwell School National Historic Site shares the stories of the students who attended the school, the history of prejudice in this country, and the unique challenges and contributions of the Mexican American community in Marfa, TX. With the support of donors committed to the full preservation of Blackwell’s history, NPF facilitated National Park Service's acquisition of the schoolhouse building from the school district in June 2024 by funding the purchase price of the property as well as due diligence for the real estate acquisition. https://lnkd.in/enbAzS5M

People and bears typically co-exist without conflict in parks, but when camping in winter, it’s important to ensure that bears cannot access any food or garbage your group may bring to the campsite. “By allowing bears to get that food and garbage, even if it’s a little bit at night, you’re starting that process, just like training your dog, and we don’t want that process to start.” -Bill Stiver, Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s supervisory wildlife biologist Park biologists actively deter bears that show any early signs of food-conditioning. This helps prevent the need for bears to be relocated. Tracking bears in the Great Smokies and beyond is helping park scientists discover the fates of relocated bears. Bear Tracks: https://lnkd.in/efBEMFBA 📸: NPS Photo / Gary Carter

NPF is excited to celebrate the acquisition of the largest tract of unprotected land within Grand Teton National Park's boundaries! “NPF is honored to partner with Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to help ensure this land will forever remain habitat for antelope, elk, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears, while preserving access to stunning park vistas for visitors now and in the future,” said Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Through a number of generous donors, NPF contributed $7 million towards the private fundraising efforts necessary to complete the transaction, a testament to the power of partnerships that are an essential part of the formula to protect our parks.” Read more from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation: https://lnkd.in/e-3s_KD7

Thanks to the National Park Foundation's Board of Directors, all gifts will be matched up to $750,000 to have triple the impact on our national parks! With the generosity of supporters like you, NPF has: Helped expand access to hiking and sightseeing spots Protected wildlife by removing invasive species Continued animal reintroduction programs ...and more! Donate before the end of the year: https://lnkd.in/erm-wy4H

President Jimmy Carter leaves behind a rich legacy forged from his lifelong commitment to the environment. We remember President Carter as one of the most effective and greatest champions of national parks of any U.S. President, and we celebrate the “man from Plains” for a life well-lived and his enduring legacy. From NPF CEO Will Shafroth: https://lnkd.in/ekJmVM9v