Weather * Construction * Funding State and National Parks Alterations and Closures

How to Support our Parks During Challenging Times

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by recent executive orders affecting U.S. national parks. While some decisions may be out of our hands, there are still meaningful ways to make a difference. In addition to contacting your representatives and raising awareness, here are some immediate steps you can take to support our parks.

Support NPS Nation/Region-Wide Non-Profit Partners

These organizations support parks across the National Park System, or broader regions

National Park Foundation - The National Park Foundation (NPF) is the official charity of the National Park Service (NPS) and its national park sites. The NPF was chartered by Congress in 1967 with a charge to "further the conservation of natural, scenic, historic, scientific, educational, inspirational, or recreational resources for future generations of Americans. "The NPF raises private funds for the benefit of, or in connection with, the activities and services of the National Park Service".

National Parks Conservation Association - The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is the only independent, nonpartisan membership organization devoted exclusively to advocacy on behalf of the NPS system. Its mission is "to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations."

National Park Trust - We preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.We acquire the missing pieces of our national parks, the privately owned land located within and adjacent to our national parks’ boundaries. We also bring thousands of kids from under-served communities to our parks; they are our future caretakers of these priceless resources.

National Battlefield Trust - The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters.

National Park Friends Alliance - Our MISSION is to enhance support for national park sites by creating a space for collaboration, creativity, and support of philanthropic partnerships between the National Park Service and their official nonprofits.

Western National Parks Association - In partnership with the National Park Service since 1938, WNPA advances education, interpretation, research, and community engagement to ensure national parks are increasingly valued by all.

Hawaii Pacific Parks Association - HPPA is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Proceeds from our park stores support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities.

National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation - As the philanthropic partner of the five national parks of Lake Superior, we inspire people to create meaningful connections with our parks. We do this by providing funding for programming, educational initiatives, and outreach efforts.

Washington's National Park Fund - To raise funds to preserve and enhance the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks so that they remain vibrant, thriving ecosystems and cherished destinations for future generations.

Support Specific Park Partners

These organizations support specific parks

• Acadia National Park - Friends of Acadia

• Alaska Gateway National Park - Friends of Alaska Gateway National Park

• Antietam National Battlefield - Antietam Institute

• Arches National Park - Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks

• Badlands National Park - Badlands National Park Conservancy

• Big Bend National Park - Big Bend Conservancy

• Biscayne National Park - Friends of Biscayne Bay

• Capitol Reef National Park - Capitol Reef Natural History Association

• Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands Park Foundation

• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - C&O Canal Trust

• Chimney Rock National Monument - Chimney Rock Interpretive Association

• Congaree National Park - Friends of Congaree Swamp

• Crater Lake National Park - Friends of Crater Lake National Park

• Craters of the Moon National Monument - Craters of the Moon Natural History Association

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

• Death Valley National Park - Death Valley Conservancy

• Everglades National Park - Friends of the Everglades

• Fort Laramie National Historic Site - Fort Laramie Historical Association

• Gateway Arch National Park - Gateway Arch Park Foundation

• Glacier National Park - Glacier National Park Conservancy

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

• Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon Conservancy

• Grant Teton National Park - Grand Teton National Park Foundation (website down)

• Great Sand Dunes National Park - Friends of the Dunes

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Friends of the Smokies

• Hot Springs National Park - Friends of Hot Springs National Park

• Isle Royale National Park - Isle Royale Families and Friends Association

• Joshua Tree National Park - Friends of Joshua Tree

• Katmai National Park - Katmai Conservancy

• Lake Clark National Park - Friends of Dick Proenneke and Lake Clark National Park

• Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Get Outdoors Nevada

• Lassen Volcanic National Park - Lassen Park Foundation

• Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park - Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

• Mammoth Cave National Park - Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park

• Manassas National Battlefield Park - Manassas Battlefield Trust

• Mesa Verde National Park - Mesa Verde Foundation

• Mojave National Preserve - Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association

• Mount Rainier National Park - Mount Rainier National Park Associates

• New River Gorge National Park - Friends of New River

• North Cascades National Park - Friends of the North Cascades Grizzly Bear

• Olympic National Park - Friends of Olympic National Park

• Petrified Forest National Park - Friends of Petrified Forest National Park

• Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes National Seashore Association

• Redwood National and State Parks - Redwood Parks Conservancy

• Rocky Mountain National Park - Rocky Mountain Conservancy

• Saguaro National Park - Friends of Saguaro National Park

• San Juan Islands National Historical Park - Friends of the San Juans

• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park - Sequoia Parks Conservancy

• Shenandoah National Park - Shenandoah National Park Trust

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park - Friends of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Wind Cave National Park - Friends of Wind Cave National Park

• Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone Forever

• Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Conservancy

• Zion National Park - Zion National Park Forever Project

In the event of parks having federal funding cut off or facing government shutdowns, these organizations help keep parks running. Many conservation, research, and trail maintenance projects are also supported by these organizations year-round.

Volunteer

While recent executive orders may impact volunteering through volunteer.gov, many organizations still offer a variety of opportunities. Whether you enjoy greeting visitors, maintaining trails, or assisting with retail operations, there are ways to get involved based on your skills and interests. If you live near a park or nature reserve, consider exploring local volunteer roles that help support their mission.

Thank you, Reddit, for this wonderful resource.

Support National Parks - How You Can Help Right Now by u/adventure_gerbil in NationalPark