ParkVentures
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Introduction
Engaging historically excluded communities through outdoor recreation in national parks.
Addressing obstacles that hinder communities from having full and enduring connections to parks, the National Park Foundation’s (NPF) ParkVentures program supports equity-focused outdoor leaders and organizations by providing grants for projects and activities that help people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks.
ParkVentures supports projects that focus on representation, accessibility, and interpretation – all things that leaders in outdoor recreation and equity spaces identify as barriers for communities that have been historically excluded from parks and may not feel a sense of belonging in the outdoors.
Program Stories
Learn more about NPF's ParkVentures program and the projects it funds in parks.
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Latino Leaders Create Community OutdoorsThe founder of Latino Outdoors Boston is bringing her community together in national parks - embracing "cultura y familia” outdoors.
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Finding Pride OutsideHow the LGBTQ community is overcoming barriers, finding joy, sharing history, and creating space outdoors.
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"I Was Hooked"Disabled veterans find healing and community through fly fishing at Shenandoah National Park.
By the Numbers
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120Projects FundedSince the 2021 launch of NPF’s ParkVentures program, NPF has supported more than 120 projects to help create life-long relationships with the outdoors.
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$3.4MillionSince the launch of the program in 2021, NPF’s ParkVentures program has provided over $3.4 million in support of projects across more than 60 national park sites.
Program Highlights
The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps crews worked on critical projects that support the protection of the sacred resources within Petroglyph National Monument. Many of the crew members are from local Pueblos or Tribes and have deep connections to the resources located within the monument, yet for some, working on the crew was their first opportunity to visit the monument and experience these connections. Indigenous Families Day brought together Pueblo and Tribal crew members and their families, along with Pueblo and Tribal families and Elders from across the region for a special day of prayer, healing, and reflection honoring their ancestral and ongoing connections to the lands within the monument.
Outdoor Outreach’s Climbing Over Barriers program increases access to, awareness of, and stewardship of Joshua Tree National Park through rock climbing. Outdoor Outreach engages youth from historically underrepresented communities, who face significant barriers to accessing national parks. Through overnight outings to the park, Outdoor Outreach promotes access and inclusion in outdoor spaces, meaningful connection with positive peers and mentors, and a culturally relevant, joyful introduction to Joshua Tree National Park.
Pajaritos was an immersive birding experience for Latinx youth local to Brownsville, Texas, their families and anyone in the community. The urban birding program brought multigenerational family units together to share meaningful experiences by exposing participants of all ages to the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors, and learning a new low-cost skill, while fostering inclusivity in birding.
Program Updates
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UpdateNPF’s ParkVentures Program Awards $2.2 Million to Affinity Groups
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UpdateEnhancing Accessibility at Congaree National Park
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UpdateEngaging St. John Residents as Cultural Ambassadors at Virgin Islands National Park
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UpdateNPF, Sun Outdoors, Support Collaboration with Indigenous Tribes at River Raisin
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UpdateNPF and Subaru: Addressing Gaps in Exposure, Access, and Opportunity
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UpdateLGBTQ Crew Hikes, Restores Trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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UpdateNPF and Kohl’s Support BIPOC-led Outdoor Experiences
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Press ReleaseNational Park Foundation Honors Corporate Partners that Preserve and Enrich National Parks for Future Generations
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UpdateParkVentures Supports the Creation of Bilingual Videos at Homestead National Historical Park
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UpdateSun Outdoors, NPF Support ASL Day on the River
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UpdateNPF and EVOLVE Plant-Based Protein Partner to Expand Outdoor Exploration
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UpdateNiantic Supports Urban Green Spaces
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UpdateNature Valley Helps Expand Access to Parks