Trust for Public Land

What does leadership look like when it's shaped by time in nature? In our latest People. Nature. Big Ideas. podcast episode, TPL's Ronda Lee Chapman reports from SXSW, where she explores how outdoor experiences are transforming the lives of young people of color—building resilience, confidence, and mental well-being. We examine the historical barriers to outdoor access and how inclusive outdoor programs are cultivating the next generation of changemakers. ?? Listen now and join the conversation on access and inclusion in public space. https://t4pl.org/4iM85El

Right now, America’s public lands and outdoor spaces—the places where we find solace, inspiration, hope, and connection—are facing challenges unlike any we’ve seen in generations. TPL’s CEO and President, Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, sat down for an interview with Walter Isaacson to discuss shifts in federal policy, concerns about funding freezes, staff reductions, and the risks posed to projects for communities across the country. They explored how we are continuing to work community by community to meet this moment, uphold our values, and advance our mission—connecting more people to the outdoors through schoolyards, community parks, and green spaces in both urban and rural areas. ? The interview will air tonight on Amanpour & Co on your local PBS channel and you can stream it now: https://lnkd.in/eRtKJFHJ

Birding is for everyone—all it takes is looking, listening, and finding joy in the natural world. Take it from birding expert and advocate, Tykee James! He’s happiest outside when discovering new feathered friends and encouraging others to do the same. His advice? Start with a “familiar five”—the birds you see most often—and build your knowledge from there. Ready to test your skills? Check out these birding resources: https://lnkd.in/e7-EihHC

For retired veteran Chad Brown M.Sc., nature became a lifeline. After serving in the Navy, he discovered the power of fly fishing—a simple act that helped wash away the weight of war and reconnect him with happiness and purpose. Now, he’s sharing that same healing power to others. Chad leads veterans and Portland youth on outdoor “deployments,” as he calls them—connecting people from all walks of life to the peace of the river. Read more of Chad’s story: https://lnkd.in/epMhbkv3

Public lands are more than open spaces—they are the heart of our communities, shaping traditions, strengthening local economies, and ensuring clean air and water for all. In Colorado, where outdoor spaces are central to the way of life, protecting public lands means protecting what makes the state so special. That’s why we’re celebrating the passage of SJR25-009—a significant step toward ensuring Colorado’s public lands remain protected and accessible to all. When we invest in public lands, we invest in healthier communities, a stronger economy, and a future where everyone can experience the power of the outdoors. Learn more about this effort to connect Coloradans to the outdoors: https://lnkd.in/gEqfwNcZ #ProtectPublicLands #KeepPublicLandsPublic

If you could make someone—your child, your neighbor, your friend, or even yourself—just a little bit happier today, you’d do it, right? What if it was as easy as stepping outside? Time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier, and more connected. That’s why from March through May, we’re sharing ideas and inspiration to help you connect with nature and feel your happiest outside. Because time outdoors is a gift that feels just as good to give as it does to receive. https://lnkd.in/eMJWiAmW

Exploring Florida’s northwestern landscape just became a little bit easier! Thanks to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the EJK Foundation, Atira Conservation, and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, we recently helped protect nearly 2,500 acres as part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever Project in Walton County. Once open to the public, this new state park will offer exciting outdoor opportunities at the Upper Shoal headwaters for adventurers to hike, paddle, and fish. The area will also serve as a critical habitat for five rare and special species. Learn more about this natural treasure: https://bit.ly/3DmEkuJ Photo Credit: Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

Now more than ever, our parks, trails, and public lands need us. Across the country, rapid federal policy shifts, threats to funding, and mass layoffs and firings are putting countless critical conservation and community projects at risk. But at Trust for Public Land, our mission remains unchanged. ?? We are doubling down on efforts to expand access to the outdoors. ??? We are protecting the places that shape our shared history. ?? We are working to ensure that every person—regardless of zip code—can experience the power of nature. For more than 50 years, through 25 sessions of Congress and nine administrations, we’ve believed in facts over rhetoric, partnerships over partisanship, and action over apathy. The more than 5,000 outdoor spaces we’ve helped create prove that when we work together, we can overcome any challenge. We will not stop fighting for the funding, resources, and policies needed to keep these places protected and accessible for generations to come. Read more from TPL’s President & CEO Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser: https://bit.ly/3DA5I8I

Communities know best. That’s why we partner and invest in local visions to create parks, playgrounds, and public lands that reflect the people they serve. Together, we’re ensuring equitable access to the outdoors, because everyone deserves the chance to connect with nature. ???

Discover how nature and the outdoors can be a vital tool in maintaining your wellbeing! Join us on March 31 at noon (PDT) for a Park Bench Chat on the profound connection between nature and mental health. Moderated by Pooja S. Tandon, MD MPH, TPL’s Health Director, this conversation will bring together leading voices in outdoor recreation, science, and therapy: ?? Caroline Gleich – professional skier and mountaineer, endurance athlete & climate activist. ?? Florence Williams – Journalist, author & podcaster specializing in nature’s impact on human health. ?? Patricia Hasbach, Ph.D. – Ecotherapy pioneer, consultant & licensed psychotherapist. Together, they’ll explore how time spent in nature benefits mental health, backed by research and real-world experiences. We’ll discuss how individuals, communities, and organizations can harness the power of the outdoors to foster well-being for all. ?? Save the date & register to join us for this important discussion: https://bit.ly/4h3OZrX