Another Year of Impact in Our Parks

Protected Wildlife & Natural Resources

In 2021, we helped care for the magnificent species and ecosystems that reside within our national parks.

With the help of NPF, Redwood National and State Parks is restoring land adjacent to Prairie Creek, which has become overrun by invasive species such as reed canary grass. A multi-year project in partnership with Save the Redwoods League and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant native species along the site’s floodplains, including Sitka spruce, coast redwood, bigleaf maple, branching willow, red alder, and black cottonwood. At the end of four years, a total of 2,430 seedlings will be planted. The restoration of native vegetation will enhance tributaries that sustain species like salmon and rainbow trout.

We’re also continuing to support a project at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve which helps replenish populations of Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the site’s creeks and lakes. Additionally, funding from NPF will help the park to manage its elk population, monitor its amphibians and plants, and determine the health of various ecosystems.

Preserved History & Culture

NPF helps preserve and restore sites that commemorate pivotal moments in our nation’s history.

In 2018, NPF facilitated the purchase of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth and family homes and their transfer to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. In 2021, NPF continued its support of the restoration of the homes by underwriting the cost of staff, materials, and administrative expenses for projects that will preserve the integrity of the building and the artifacts inside. The project helps ensure future visitors get a first-hand glimpse of the beginnings of Dr. King’s life. These efforts were made possible by NPF’s African American Experience Fund, which helps protect national park sites that honor African American history and culture.

Invested in the Next Generation of Park Stewards

NPF continues to provide financial support to service corps programs, which bring teams of young adults to national parks across the country to accomplish critical maintenance and natural resource projects, all while learning technical skills and bonding with their peers.

NPF, with support from REI Co-op, is doing its part to help NPS increase diversity within the ranks of its wildland fire workforce by providing the necessary funding to pilot new women’s fire corps crews.

In the summer of 2021, Yosemite National Park and Grand Teton National Park each hosted a six-person all-women fire corps crew. Some crew members arrived with previous fire experience and qualifications, while others were brand new to fire management. 

These women worked within the ranks of the NPS wildland fire program at their respective parks for 10 weeks, helping with active fuels management projects and wildland fire response. The crews conducted prescribed burns and other treatments which decrease the risk of severe wildland fire, making local communities safer, while maintaining health ecosystems within the park. In Grand Teton, they treated nearly 100 acres, assisting in fuel reductions near historic properties and along park boundaries. The women were mentored by NPS leadership, including Superintendents, Division Chiefs and Fire Leadership as well as helicopter crews, wildland fire modules, fuels crews, and engine crews. NPF had the opportunity to speak to some of these women about their experiences, and how their time with the Fire Corps Crews has impacted their career journeys.

Enhanced the Visitor Experience

As park visitation continues to increase, NPF is working to ensure NPS is equipped to welcome a greater number of visitors and to provide people of all abilities with a memorable experience.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of the National Mall’s most iconic sites, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore the history commemorated by the monument and to take in the scenic views of the tidal basin. NPF is continuing to provide support for major upgrades to the lower level of the Memorial, which will involve installation of accessible, state-of-the-art exhibits that incorporate both tactile and audio elements. These updates help ensure that all visitors can learn about Thomas Jefferson’s multifaceted story.

NPF, the Friends of the Smokies, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrated the completion of a new trail that provides access for visitors of all abilities to one of Cades Cove's most popular historic homesites: the John Oliver Cabin. This half-mile, paved trail is approximately eight feet wide, which will provide adequate space for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Established Strong Partnerships

NPS units work closely with their philanthropic partners, also known as Friends Groups, to raise funds, implement volunteer programs, develop connections with nearby communities, and more. In 2021, NPF’s Strong Parks, Strong Communities initiative built the capacity of 36 such groups to serve their NPS partners. We provided over $670,000 in grants to help these groups undertake projects like redesigning their websites, developing new education or volunteer programs, enhancing accessibility at their partner parks, and so much more. The grantees consist of organizations of all sizes, including partners of sites that preserve battlefields, rivers and trails, and heritage areas.

The National Park Foundation works to protect national parks for future generations and connects people to the wonder of parks. Our work depends on the generous support of donors and our community of park champions.