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Program

ParkVentures

Yosemite National Park
iStock / kapulya

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 ParkVentures program supports equity-focused outdoor leaders and organizations by providing grants for programs 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.

Two people fly fish along a stony river
By the Numbers
  • 58
    Projects Funded
    In 2021, NPF launched ParkVentures, funding projects that help people create life-long relationships with the outdoors, especially among communities that have been historically excluded from parks.
  • $1.2
    Million
    NPF has been able to fund over $1.2 million of program support for ParkVentures programs happening across the country.

Program Highlights

A group of people and a park ranger pose for a photo
Indigenous Families Day at Petroglyph

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps crews work 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 may be 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.

A group of people in climbing gear pose for a photo
Climbing Over Barriers at Joshua Tree

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.

Program Updates

Partners

Thank You
ParkVentures is made possible thanks to funding from founding partner Nature Valley, and Outdoor Exploration initiative premier partner Subaru of America and supporting partners Niantic and Sun Outdoors. Additional support is provided by Apple, American Airlines, EVOLVE Plant-Based Protein, method, Kohl’s, and Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold.