National Park Trust

A group of 9th graders from the Ehrhart School recently had an impactful visit to Big Thicket National Preserve in #Texas, where they learned about the delicate ecosystems and fire restoration efforts in the area. After a warm welcome from Big #BuddyBison, students dove into a presentation on the park’s unique ecosystem and fire restoration techniques used by National Park Service staff. The group then set out on a guided hike, discovering tree adaptations that help them survive controlled burns and learning about fascinating carnivorous plants like Sundews and Butterworts! After a break for lunch, the students rolled up their sleeves, donned high-vis gear, and got to work planting Little Blue Stem grass plugs in a recently burned plot of land. ?? Thanks to their hard work, these students will have the chance to visit Big Thicket for years to come, knowing they played a role in the restoration of the land. Thank you, Howard Energy, for sponsoring this adventure!

From breathtaking waterfalls to freezing temps, the Auburn University at Montgomery #CollegeAmbassadors had an unforgettable weekend at Little River Canyon National Preserve! The group kicked off their trip with a visit to the Little River Canyon Center, where they learned about the park’s rich ecology and history—highlighting its significant role as the starting point of the Trail of Tears. After a scenic hike to the main waterfall, they were amazed by the beauty of the canyon’s frozen waterfalls and crisp winter air. But the adventure didn’t stop there! They embraced the chill of 26-degree temps while camping at DeSoto State Park, keeping warm around a fire, roasting s’mores, and sharing stories under a starlit sky. The next morning, they chased more waterfalls at Indian Falls and capped off their trip with a scenic drive through Little River Canyon, soaking in its beauty.

We partnered with Our Military Kids to explore Saguaro National Park, where military families met Sunny the Saguaro, toured the cactus garden, hiked through a wash, and discovered ancient petroglyphs. The kids capped off the adventure by becoming official #JuniorRangers! ?? Participating National Guard and Reserve families received their America the Beautiful Military Pass, granting them free access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites, including all National Park Service gems, for a whole year! ?? We are honored to empower our heroes and their loved ones to explore, connect, and create lasting memories together.

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Kids to Parks Day School grantees! ?? The 170 grant recipients, representing 126 schools, received funds for their park trips, with the Park Trust awarding a total of $177,000. This year’s program will benefit more than 8,600 students in grades pre-K through 12, representing 38 states, Washington, DC, and American Samoa. The School Grants Program is a part of #KidsToParksDay, an annual nationwide day of outdoor play celebrated every third Saturday in May at public lands and waters across the United States. ?? ??Read more about our 2025 grantees: https://ow.ly/8xo850Vc5EH Images: Hamtramck High School, a grantee from last year, conducting a beach clean-up at North Point Nature Preserve, which is inside the Thunder Bay Sanctuary.

National Park Trust announces the expansion of Pecos National Historical Park in #NewMexico! Through the acquisition of a key parcel of land, this project enhances the protection of significant cultural and historical resources while preserving the natural beauty of the region for future generations. Read more here: https://ow.ly/RxCM50VafLl

A letter from our Executive Director: We believe in the future of parks and the next generation of park stewards. Uncertain times can bring challenges, but thanks to supporters like you, National Park Trust remains committed to our mission of preserving parks through land acquisition and creating future park stewards through our youth and family programs. We just completed our 72nd land project on behalf of the National Park Service and provided park experiences for more than 100,000 students and military families last year—our greatest impact yet. See how your donation can make a difference: ?? Support kids and families – Help us introduce them to the outdoors through education and park experiences. ?? Protect our parks – Your support ensures that we can continue our park preservation work now and for years to come. ?? Move our mission forward - Supporting the Park Trust helps fund grants to schools and nonprofits. Together, we can keep parks thriving for our mental and physical well-being. Learn more today: https://ow.ly/yEOp50V7SvV ??: Frank Lee Ruggles

We are excited to celebrate the 15th annual #KidsToParksDay with you and your community! Whether it’s hiking through misty mountains, sledding down giant sand dunes, or spotting new wildlife, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. ????? ??To help you plan your next outdoor experience, we’ve rounded up 15 incredible #NationalParks that are perfect for kids and families. Check them out here: https://ow.ly/KtCb50V7Ajk

Seven families joined us at Gulf Islands National Seashore for a day of exploration and stewardship, thanks to our partnership with the National Park Service and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The day began with a ranger-led tour of Fort Pickens, where families learned about its role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. After hiking along the sandbar and taking in the park’s natural beauty, they rolled up their sleeves for an afternoon #Stewardship project: clearing sand, removing invasive plants, and helping to protect this historic site from further erosion.

On the last weekend of January, Carroll College #CollegeAmbassadors took students on an unforgettable backcountry ski trip to the West Fork Cabin on the Teton River. ??? With bluebird skies and endless snowy vistas, they made their way through the mountain valleys. After arriving at the cabin, they stoked the fire, sipped on hot chocolate, and tackled a very stubborn puzzle! Sunday morning brought chilly temperatures, but after a warm breakfast and a deep clean of the cabin, the crew packed up and set off on their ski back. After a scenic and smooth trek out, the trip wrapped up with a well-earned diner feast before heading back to campus.

Our first events have hit the map! ?? ??? It's time to register your event for #KidsToParksDay! Thousands of families nationwide use our site and the #ParkPassportApp to find the park closest to them to celebrate this day of outdoor play. Registering ensures families find your event and you have a great turnout! Don’t worry if May 17th doesn’t work for your scheduled event – as a way to ensure everyone can participate in this nationwide initiative, we are happy to include any event in May that invites kids and families to get outdoors. Register an event here ?? https://ow.ly/rQgC50USrnY