This month we're sharing fun ideas for summer trips in our national parks, as well as how you can support the parks for summers to come.

National Park Foundation, GoParks newsletter graphic cover image of a beach with clear blue water and mountainous islands dotting the horizon at Virgin Islands National Park

Giving Back to NPS

A close up image of a National Park Service baseball cap placed on a park path

The National Park Service employs more than 20,000 people, which includes our beloved park rangers, as well as other behind-the-scenes employees like administrative and finance staff, scientists, curators, archeologists, and many others. Find out how the National Park Foundation provides training and professional development to NPS employees so they can stay at the top of their game.

Exploring the Hallowed Grounds of Gettysburg

Cannons line a hill at sunset in Gettysburg National Military Park

Remembered as the site of the American Civil War's bloodiest battle, Gettysburg National Military Park protects a now peaceful landscape. At the time of the battle, the outcome of the war was by no means certain. The defeat of Lee’s army marked a turning point. Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the history of the Civil War and its impact on our nation. Read on to discover the numerous ways to explore the park and connect with our past.

Turn Your Passion into Action

A couple holds hands and smiles while hiking in canyons in Zion National Park

You can be a park champion by raising funds to benefit the national parks with your own personalized fundraising webpage! When you sign up to raise funds on behalf of the National Park Foundation, you will receive a fundraising webpage where you can tell you story, share photos, and receive donations safely and securely from your friends, family, and co-workers. The funds you raise will support our mission and benefit the more than 400 national parks. Whether it is a hike, a community event, a personal milestone, or something just for fun, you can make a big impact on our national parks by creating your own fundraiser. Get started today!

Summer Road Trippin'

A view of the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge which is surrounded by dense woods on both sides

Looking for a fun summer getaway? Plan ahead by using our (free!) national park travel guide, "Road Trippin'." Combining visits to well-known national parks with some lesser-known treasures, this guide features 15 delightful road trip itineraries. So go ahead, block off a few vacation days and start planning for your next #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque adventure!

Get Your Free National Park Owner's Guides

National Park Foundation Owners Guides

Make your national park experience better than ever. These FREE downloadable national park Owner's Guides are filled with travel tips and information on what not to miss. It's your one-stop resource to discover all your national parks! Download today.

Support Your Parks

A collage NPF merchandise including a pillow, a keychain, and a T-shirt

Show off your love for America’s
national parks with NPF gear!

An image of a beach at Assateague Island National Seashore at sunset with a silhouette of three people sitting by a campfire

Make a difference for America's treasured places – today and for years to come.

Celebrating Moments of the Past and Present

A historic image of three people cheering in a park and next to it is a modern picture of two people taking similar poses. The words Wonder + Wander span across both images.

Don’t forget: the Wonder + Wander Photo Challenge is underway and runs all summer long! Join us in celebrating moments of the past and present by recreating a vintage park photo for a chance to win a free national park annual pass, courtesy of Union Pacific Railroad. Ten winners will be selected between May 22 and September 2, 2019. To get started, visit the Wonder + Wander Photo Challenge page today.

A Flight Path Through History

A historic image of an African-American airman sits in his World War II fighter plane wearing a leather helmet and googles

The heavens have long captured our imaginations – a place where ideas could not be contained, where hope and possibilities stretched as far as the eye could see. And throughout our history, the skies have been the stage where dreams could take flight. From the birth of modern aviation to the first crew of African American airmen and beyond, the last 150 years have shown how determination, ingenuity, and tenacity could lift bold aspirations. Visit our blog to learn how several national parks pay tribute to these transformations in aviation history.

Paying It Forward

Russell James and Brenda Tanner sit on a large rock, looking out at the tree lined mountains around them

The parks have always held a special place for 1916 Society Members Russell James and Brenda Tanner. They even got engaged at Peaks of Otter in Shenandoah National Park. Now, they have passed on their love of parks to their granddaughters, who accompany them on their adventures. As Russell puts it, “As I get older, I think about what I can do to give back … to pay it forward for future generations. I want my granddaughters to be able to enjoy the parks as much as I have for as long as they live.” That’s why he and Brenda have included a gift to the National Park Foundation as part of their estate plan. Read more about their story on our website and learn how you can create a legacy gift to the National Park Foundation.

Your Summer Vacation Packing List

A collage of merchandise from the Find Your Park store, including a hat, water bottles, and a tote bag

Baseball cap? Check. Water bottle? Check. Tote bag? Check. Whether you’re heading to the beach or to the lakeshore, the Official Find Your Park Store has just what you need to beat the heat while you #FindYourPark all summer long! With apparel and accessories to keep you cooler than cool – and show off your park pride – you can’t go wrong. The best part? One hundred percent of the proceeds from your purchase go to the National Park Foundation to help preserve and protect America’s greatest treasures. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

This Month's Quiz

A strip of beach at Indiana Dunes with grasses growing in the sand

What national park unit preserves 30 plus acres of historic ponds, water gardens, and greenhouses?

And congratulations to last month's winner, Barbara Frasca, from Medfield, MA who knew that Indiana Dunes National Park provides a refreshing summer escape with its 15 miles of shoreline and is home to over 1,100 plant species.


Way to go, Barbara!

An image of the beach with clear blue water and mountainous islands dotting the horizon at Virgin Islands National Park

Wow! Where Is That?

Curious which park is featured at the top of this newsletter? Find out now!

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