Blogs

The Public Lands Alliance Recognizes Nonprofits, Companies and Land Management Agency Staff at the 2024 Partnership Awards

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 2 hours ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Partnership Awards that celebrate the best in public lands partnerships. These awards honor individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and the enrichment the visitor experience. The 2024 award winners were announced on Thursday, April 18th in a   virtual celebration . The awards program is sponsored by Impact Photographics. A total of 14 awards were presented to individuals, organizations and companies in six categories: Public ...

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association Teams Up to Rebuild

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 6 days ago
We're excited to feature Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA), a key player in conservation efforts and an advocate for the beauty and utility of public lands. Their latest collaboration with Wilderness Volunteers is a testament to their commitment to preserving and enhancing our nation’s forests and grasslands. Project Spotlight: Rebuilding the Pollinator Garden in the Bessey District In an exciting new initiative, the BHPFA has partnered with Wilderness Volunteers to focus on a special project within the Bessey District of the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. This collaboration centers around the restoration of a crucial pollinator ...

PLA 2024 Convention and Trade Show Highlights Groundbreaking Innovations in Public Lands Partnerships and Outdoor Recreation

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 21 days ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PLA 2024 Convention and Trade Show Highlights Groundbreaking Innovations in Public Lands Partnerships and Outdoor Recreation     March 2024 – The 2024 Public Lands Alliance (PLA) Convention and Trade Show showcased groundbreaking advancements in public lands management and outdoor recreation during its highly anticipated annual gathering. Hosted in San Francisco, CA, this year's convention brought together nearly 700 industry leaders, public land nonprofits, land management agencies, and business and outdoor enthusiasts to explore new strategies for enhancing the stewardship ...

Jefferson National Park Association Reflects on PLA 2024 Experience

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 28 days ago
At PLA 2024, members gathered from across the country to celebrate, collaborate, and ignite new ideas in the realm of public lands stewardship. Among the attendees was the Jefferson National Park Association (JNPA), whose representatives shared their insightful reflections on the event in a recent blog post titled "Learning Together." In their engaging narrative, JNPA offers a firsthand account of their experience at PLA 2024, highlighting the invaluable opportunities for learning and networking that the convention and trade show provided. They underscore the significance of coming together with fellow public lands advocates, exchanging knowledge, and ...

PLA Welcomes New Education Program Manager

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 02-19-2024
Meet Emily Tanner, the new Education Program Manager at Public Lands Alliance! With a background deeply rooted in outdoor education and recreation, Emily is an avid hiker, camper, and backpacker. She's spent much of her career as an outdoor educator and guide, shaping her understanding of the intersection between public lands, education, and community engagement. Based in Colorado, Emily, along with her husband and children, continues to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Excited to contribute her expertise, she looks forward to collaborating with the dedicated community at Public Lands Alliance to enhance the collective impact on the preservation and promotion ...

Rosie the Riveter Trust to Rally for Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 02-06-2024
We are excited to shine the spotlight on an incredible achievement that embodies the spirit of dedication, empowerment, and resilience. The Public Lands Alliance is proud to celebrate the Rosie the Riveter Trust and their collaboration with esteemed organizations dedicated to honoring the legacy of "Rosie the Riveter." In a momentous recognition of their contributions during World War II, a Congressional Gold Medal will be collectively awarded to the women affectionately known as "Rosie the Riveter." These remarkable individuals played a pivotal role in manufacturing aircraft, vehicles, weaponry, ammunition, and other essential materials and services ...

Great Smoky Mountains Association's 2023 Achievements in Enhancing Visitor Centers

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 12-18-2023
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) has been making waves with a series of remarkable accomplishments in the eleven stores they operate within and around GSMANP. As we reflect on the year gone by, it's clear that GSMA's dedication to enhancing the visitor experience has yielded some truly exciting results. Sugarlands Breaks Records One of the standout achievements for GSMA in 2023 was the unprecedented eight-month streak at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This incredible milestone saw over 100,000 monthly visitors consistently flocking to the center, underscoring the impact ...

PLA Welcomes New Staff Member

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 11-17-2023
Gaby Rojas has joined the Public Lands Alliance team as the Digital Communications Manager  of our new America’s Wildlife Refuge initiative. Gaby has been involved in communications since she was in elementary school and created a newsletter for her family to know what was going on within the household. Some of her biggest writing influences were Anthony Bourdain, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Louisa May Alcott. She worked as a freelance communications specialist while getting her degree from the University of Central Florida, where she graduated with a degree in Human Communications with a focus on Social Activism and Innovation. Since then, she was worked ...

Ding Darling Wildlife Society Takes Education to the Community with WoW

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 11-17-2023
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society , the non-profit Friends of the Refuge organization, has an incredible program in partnership with the refuge that is WoW-ing Florida residents. Central to Ding Darling Wildlife Society's mission is the innovative education program, Wildlife On Wheels . Designed to take the wonders of wildlife directly to the community, WOW is a mobile educational unit that sparks curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Through interactive exhibits, engaging presentations, and hands-on activities, WOW transforms learning into an exciting adventure. The success of Wildlife On Wheels lies in its ability to connect ...

Katmai Conservancy Meets Otis Fund Goal to Support Katmai National Park

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 10-19-2023
Katmai Conservancy ’s annual online fundraiser, The Otis Fund, ran October 4 th through October 10 th during the popular Fat Bear Week . This year's campaign was a resounding success, raising over $300,000! The contributions are matched by Explore.org and will be used to make a tangible impact on the preservation, education, and enrichment of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Donations to the Otis Fund allow Katmai Conservancy to support education and interpretation, both within and outside of Katmai National Park and Preserve. The Otis Fund also provides funding for important research on Katmai’s brown bears and extensive human history. Other initiatives ...

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association and Parks Project Unite to Preserve Hawaiʻi's Natural Treasures with $10,000 Donation

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 09-19-2023
To celebrate a recent apparel collection designed around Hawaiian volcanoes and the ecosystems they create, Parks Project donated $10,000 to the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) to support their mission.   A Generous Gesture from Parks Project   Parks Project, a company known for its dedication to supporting national parks, recently unveiled a new apparel collection inspired by the awe-inspiring Hawaiian volcanoes. To celebrate the launch of this collection and to further their commitment to preserving these natural wonders, Parks Project made a generous donation of $10,000 to HPPA.   Paying It Forward to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes ...

Preserving the Mississippi River with Mississippi Park Connection's Fellowship Program

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 08-31-2023
The majestic Mississippi River, often called the backbone of America, has played an integral role in shaping the nation's history, culture, and environment. Nurturing and safeguarding this vital natural resource requires dedicated efforts, and one of our member organizations stands out for its outstanding commitment: Mississippi Park Connection. Through its Mississippi River Fellowship program, which just wrapped up, this nonprofit organization has been making significant strides in preserving and exploring the wonders of the Mississippi River. Fellowship and Discovery The Mississippi River Fellowship, established by Mississippi Park Connection, ...

PLA Welcomes Three New Board Directors

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 08-14-2023
The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.  Joining the Board of Directors Aileen Utterdyke is the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Historic Parks Aileen Utterdyke joined the Arizona Memorial Museum Association in 2007 as a member of the all-volunteer board of directors. During this time, her focus was to help build a stronger organization and help with the growth and stability of Arizona Memorial Museum Association. She began her career in Public Accounting where she spent 25 years building her specialization in Not For Profit tax and accounting. ...

Joshua Tree National Park Association Makes Record Breaking Donation

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 07-24-2023
Joshua Tree National Park Association recently shared that thanks to an influx of retail sales in their visitor’s centers and the efforts of their retail staff, they were able to donate a record-breaking $500,000 to Joshua Tree National Park! The Joshua Tree National Park Association team held small celebrations at their visitor centers to rejoice in this great achievement. The donation check was joyfully presented to their park partners amid sparkling cider, bubbles, and cupcakes!  To learn more about Joshua Tree National Park Association and their efforts to support Joshua Tree National Park, visit their website or Facebook page !

Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Conservation Corps Celebrates 20-Year Milestone with Its Largest Crew Yet

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 07-11-2023
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Conservation Corps (RMC-CC) are celebrating the remarkable milestone of two decades of dedication to the preservation and enhancement of Rocky Mountain National Park. The RMC-CC have been at the forefront of ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of Rocky Mountain National Park, with work ranging from trail maintenance and restoration to habitat improvement and wildfire mitigation.  Throughout the years, the Conservation Corps has provided invaluable opportunities for young adults to develop leadership skills and forge lifelong connections with nature. Through hands-on experiences and training, corps members gain ...

Setting Sail for a Purpose: Alaska Geographic Doubles their Impact During their Second Annual Cruise for a Cause

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 06-05-2023
On May 13th, Alaska Geographic and supporters of Alaska's public lands embarked aboard the Major Marine Tours Spirit of Matushka for the second annual Cruise for a Cause fundraiser . This charitable event proved to be an incredible success, not only in terms of funds raised but also in illustrating Alaska Geographic's unwavering commitment to supporting Alaska's public lands and fostering educational opportunities for underserved youth across the state.   With the picturesque Kenai Fjords National Park serving as their backdrop, Alaska Geographic set sail on an unforgettable cruise in Resurrection Bay.  Attendees ...

Embracing Creativity and Stargazing: Grand Canyon Conservancy's Artist and Astronomer-in-Residence Programs

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 05-30-2023
The Grand Canyon, with its awe-inspiring landscapes and celestial wonders, has captivated countless individuals for generations. Recognizing the power of art and science in conveying the beauty and significance of this natural wonder, the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is now accepting applications until July 31 st , 2023 for two exceptional residency programs—the Artist in Residence and Astronomer-in-Residence programs. These initiatives not only foster creativity and exploration but also contribute to the preservation and appreciation of the Grand Canyon's rich cultural and natural heritage.  Grand Canyon Conservancy's Artist in Residence Program ...

Summer 2023 Brings American Indian Guest Artist Program & Speaker Series to Grand Teton National Park

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 05-15-2023
Since 1937, the Grand Teton Association (GTA) has supported the education, interpretation, and research initiatives of agency partners. This summer, that history of support will be carried on through the return of Grand Teton National Park’s annual American Indian Guest Artist Program at Colter Bay. Running from May 23 to October 2 , visitors to the park will have the opportunity to witness the traditional and contemporary art of American Indian tribes from all over the country. The program is sponsored by the Grand Teton Association and will be held at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. Participating artists will demonstrate their craft, which includes ...

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association Welcomes Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail to Partnership ʻOhana

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 05-09-2023
We would like to spotlight the recent work of Public Lands Alliance member Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association (HPPA). HPPA i s a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Proceeds from their park stores support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities.  Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association has recently shared the newest addition to its partnership ʻohana - the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.  The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which spans 175 miles along the Big Island of Hawaii's coastline, is a significant site for ...

The Public Lands Alliance Recognizes Nonprofits, Companies and Land Management Agency Staff at the 2023 Partnership Awards

By Public Lands Alliance Staff posted 04-28-2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) has announced the recipients of its 2023 Partnership Awards that celebrate the best in public lands partnerships. These awards honor individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and the enrichment the visitor experience. The 2023 award winners were announced on Wednesday, April 27 in a   virtual celebration . The awards program is sponsored by Impact Photographics. A total of 18 awards were presented to individuals, organizations and companies in six categories: Public ...