The United States is home to some of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, and the country’s national parks are at the forefront of this beauty. These parks provide a natural habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, and they offer visitors the chance to explore and connect with nature.
However, these national treasures are under threat from various environmental challenges such as habitat loss and pollution. Even increased visitation can threaten resources such as what is going on at Arches National Park. Invasive species are another threat to many national parks including Death Valley and Yellowstone.
To combat these issues, several conservation foundations work in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure the preservation and protection of these parks. But, does every United States national park have its own conservation foundation?
Let’s explore how conservation foundations work with the National Park Service.
Does Every United States National Park Have Its Own Conservation Foundation?
Although many national parks have their own conservation foundations, not every park has a dedicated organization working to support its preservation and protection. This is because the establishment of a conservation foundation is usually initiated by interested individuals or organizations that want to support a specific national park’s preservation and protection.
Therefore, the existence of a conservation foundation is dependent on the initiative of these individuals or organizations and the level of support they can garner.
Which National Parks have Dedicated Conservation Foundations?
Several national parks have dedicated conservation foundations that work in partnership with the NPS to support preservation and protection efforts. These foundations provide funding, resources, and expertise to help the NPS carry out its mission. Some of these national parks with dedicated conservation foundations include:
- Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. This foundation provides support for the park’s educational programs, scientific research, and conservation efforts.
- Grand Canyon National Park: The Grand Canyon Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to protect the Grand Canyon and its surrounding ecosystems. The foundation provides funding for scientific research, habitat restoration, and other initiatives that protect the Grand Canyon’s natural resources.
- Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Yosemite National Park. This foundation provides funding for trail maintenance, wildlife management, and other initiatives that protect the park’s unique ecosystem.
- Zion National Park: Zion National Park Forever Project is the official nonprofit partner of Zion National Park. This foundation provides funding for educational programs, scientific research, and conservation efforts in the park.
Other national parks with dedicated conservation foundations include Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Bend National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Glacier National Park, and Acadia National Park, among others.
Although it is home to lesser visited national parks, Florida has combined its conservation efforts and created the Florida National Parks Association, a conservation organization that supports Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas National Parks.
National Parks Without Dedicated Conservation Foundations
As mentioned earlier, not all national parks have dedicated conservation foundations. However, this doesn’t mean that these parks are not receiving any support for preservation and protection efforts. The NPS has various programs, partnerships, and collaborations with nonprofit organizations and volunteers to support conservation efforts in these parks.
For example, the National Park Foundation is the official charitable partner of the NPS and provides support for all national parks whether or not they have their own conservation foundations.
Additionally, there are numerous nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups that work to support the preservation and protection of national parks without dedicated conservation foundations. Examples include:
1. The National Parks Conservation Association
The National Parks Conservation Association is a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection and enhancement of US National Parks. The organization works to ensure that national parks are adequately funded, properly managed, and protected from external threats. It also promotes policies that support conservation, climate change action, and environmental justice.
2. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization with a mission to protect lands and waters on which all life depends. It works to protect critical habitats and biodiversity in US National Parks and other natural areas. The organization also collaborates with communities, businesses, and governments to promote sustainable land use and conservation practices.
3. The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land is a conservation organization that works to create parks and protect land for people. It partners with communities, governments, and private entities to protect natural areas, promote outdoor recreation, and conserve wildlife habitats in national parks and other public lands.
How can visitors support the Conservation Foundations of our National Parks?
Visitors to our National Parks can support the conservation foundations in several ways…
- Make a donation: Visitors can make a donation to the park conservation organizations to support their work. Visitors can also join many conservations while they are shopping at park gift shops. For example, this is where we have purchased memberships for Rocky Mountain National Park and Big Bend National Park Conservations.
- Participate in park programs: Many National Parks have programs and events focused on conservation and education. By participating in these programs, visitors can learn more about the park’s conservation efforts and contribute to them. Another park program that supports many conservations is the state license plate program. In several states, you can get a specialty license plate to show your support and donation to these conservations.
- Volunteer: National Parks rely on volunteers to help with conservation efforts such as trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring. Visitors can volunteer their time to support these efforts. National parks, like many organizations, are understaffed. They often reach out to their communities in search of volunteers. For example, Indiana Sand Dunes National Park recently created an open volunteer program wherein they will put any willing volunteer to work upon walking into the ranger station!
- Practice Leave No Trace principles: Visitors can help support conservation efforts by practicing Leave No Trace principles which include packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and minimizing impact on wildlife and their habitats.
Conservation foundation depend on the initiative of interested individuals. By supporting them, visitors can help ensure that these natural treasures are protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Many national parks have dedicated conservation foundations that work in partnership with the NPS to support preservation and protection efforts. As you spend more time in your national park journeys, we encourage you to consider joining a conservancy group that supports your values and your favorite park!
