Trust for Public Land

Students and teachers at Barringer High School in Newark, NJ dreamed of turning their empty asphalt lot into a vibrant schoolyard garden. With help from donors like OXO, we transformed the lot into a space for learning and community, complete with raised garden beds that will allow the school to grow produce year-round, increasing the student’s access to fresh, healthy, and free food!

We partnered with Chattanooga Design Studio for their recent CIVIQ speaker event, where renowned landscape architect, Thomas Woltz, shared his experience honoring sites of memory like our upcoming project, The Field. This sacred site—now overtaken by kudzu and largely forgotten for more than a century—holds the unmarked graves of hundreds of people who couldn’t afford burial costs, including many Black Chattanoogans. Woltz shared, “Landscape has the power to heal us, to change us, to bring us to life.” Read more about Woltz’ powerful work and possibilities for Chattanooga here: https://lnkd.in/eSMjNRQ7

Habitat loss, increasingly severe weather, and the changing climate have devastated our nation’s forests and wildlife. We’re fighting back, but we can’t do it without your support. Your gift to TPL can support vital projects like:  🌳 Expanding national and local parks 🌿 Building greener schoolyards 🍃 Creating trail systems 🌲 Protecting community forests and cultural sites Support our work to help more people get involved with and enjoy their local green spaces: https://lnkd.in/eBYYB9EC

🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert 🎤 Join us this month on People. Nature. Big Ideas as our host, Ronda Lee Chapman, engages in a deep-dive conversation with Queta Gonzalez, sharing insights from her vast experience at the connection of diversity and the great outdoors. It's all about equity, embracing DEI within organizations, career growth in non-profit, and a potentially game-changing idea for pay equity. A conversation you won't want to miss! Full episode here ➡️ www.tpl.org/podcast

Adventure has the power to inspire, connect, and transform—and that energy was on full display at our recent panel on inclusivity in climbing at Town Hall Seattle. With Mitsu Iwasaki leading the conversation, Asian American athletes Cody Kaemmerlen, Kathy Karlo, and Nina Williams shared powerful stories on breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future for outdoor recreation. Special thanks to our partners and attendees for creating such an inspiring and welcoming space for change.

Celebrating a huge win for the environment! 🎉 All 23 ballot measures championed by TPL in the November election have officially passed! The final initiative in McHenry County, IL, was confirmed after a close vote, securing $70 million in voter-approved funds to protect drinking water, improve rivers and lakes, safeguard wildlife, enhance local forests, and provide park access for people with disabilities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSiHPGns

Food, drink, and conversation are the building blocks of great parks. Inspired by memories of home and fueled by caffeine and tasty snacks, meet the women who gather regularly to envision the future of their nearby green space–Delta Park. Take a seat at the table and explore their journey: https://lnkd.in/g2RURk9F

We know public lands are essential to healthy, thriving communities. Today, we have fresh evidence that they’re also critical to our economy. ⬇️   #Proud to be part of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and to work alongside our partners there to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors. Let’s keep the momentum going: Urge Congress to create parks and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the communities where they're needed most by swiftly passing the Outdoors for All Act: https://bit.ly/3ZegYQ5

Surfing legend, Carissa Moore, has an impact extending far beyond the waves. On December 5th, she’s joining us and the University of Hawai'i to share stories from her remarkable journey as a Native Hawaiian, five-time world champion, and the first woman to win Olympic gold in surfing. Rooted in a love for public lands and oceans, Carissa’s experiences inspire a deeper understanding of the power of outdoor spaces—and the collective responsibility we share in preserving them for generations to come. Learn more or RSVP for this incredible conversation with Bianca Clark, Carissa Moore, and Mahealani Richardson: https://lnkd.in/eAkUA4AW

From the big adventures to the basics of clean air and water, access to the outdoors is a vital human need—but it’s not equal to everyone. Join us this week as our Northwest Director, Mitsu Iwasaki with prominent Asian American climbers, Cody Kaemmerlen, Kathy Karlo, and Nina Williams, for a powerful panel discussion around how inclusion enriches the future of adventure sports. We’re partnering with Town Hall Seattle and incredible community organizations (big list) to create an evening full of stories and inspiration. Register to join in person or online, Thursday November 21st: https://lnkd.in/eHmuxGDU