Blogs

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association Teams Up to Rebuild

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 14 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 ...

Jefferson National Park Association Reflects on PLA 2024 Experience

By Katie Cavanaugh-Smith posted 03-22-2024
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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

Smokies Hikes for Healing: Great Smoky Mountains Association

By Janine Doyle posted 08-11-2020
In June 2020, Great Smoky Mountains Association teamed up with their park's Superintendent Cassius Cash to create Smokies Hikes for Healing. Additionally supported through aid-to-park funding from Friends of the Smokies , this collaborative program aims to connect strangers to have difficult conversations about racism and social justice in a natural setting. Read on to learn more about their efforts (originally posted in Smokies LIVE and written by Frances Figart, GSMA Creative Services Director): In late May, as the park began to resume operations after being fully closed for 46 days, a shock wave rang out around the world when George Floyd was tragically ...

Creating Refuges in Your Own Backyard

By Janine Doyle posted 04-16-2020
The Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to helping shape and support the development of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. They foster a community conservation ethic by promoting environmental and cultural awareness through public educational programs and recreational opportunities. One of the Friends of Valle de Oro's newest endeavors is their ABQ Backyard Refuge (ABQBYR) program, which allows public land management agencies and community members to work together to restore and maintain robust habitats for wildlife and people to seek refuge. Read on for more about this program from the Friends of Valle de Oro Executive Director ...

Composing in the Wilderness: Alaska Geographic

By Janine Doyle posted 12-17-2019
Alaska Geographic (AG) has been creating deeper connections to Alaska's wild lands for over 60 years as the nonprofit education partner of the state's spectacular national parks, forests and refuges. In partnership with the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USDAFS), AG supports Composing in the Wilderness , a shared wilderness experience for adventurous composers at all levels. Below is our interview with AG executive director Andy Hall about this program. When did the Composing in the Wilderness program begin, and what was the motivation behind starting the program? Hall: The Composing ...

Overdue Renovations Become a Reality for 40-Year-Old Fish Ladder

By Janine Doyle posted 11-18-2019
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder Renovations Concept The Fish Ladder Viewing Gallery at the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks in Seattle has not been renovated in over 40 years, despite being the site of approximately 2 million visitors per year. Seeing the great potential of one of the Locks' most popular educational attractions, PLA member Discover Your Northwest (DYNW) decided to team up with the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and The Corps Foundation in order to raise the capital funds needed to renovate the structure. Below is our interview with DYNW Executive Director Jim Adams about this project. What prompted the Fish Ladder renovations project? ...

Wulfert Bayous Acquisition Protects Key Wildlife Habitats - Ding Darling Wildlife Society

By Janine Doyle posted 10-14-2019
Wulfert Bayous, Sanibel Island, Florida “Land, water and vegetation are just that dependent on one another. Without these three primary elements in natural balance, we can have neither fish nor game, wild flowers nor trees, labor nor capital, nor sustaining habitat for humans.” - Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, a Pulitzer prize-winning political cartoonist, often focused on the theme of conservation and wildlife preservation in his work. In addition to his artistic endeavors, "Ding" headed the U.S. Biological Survey, a predecessor of the Fish and Wildlife Service, initiated the Federal Duck Stamp Program, and pioneered leadership ...

Preservation Through Conservation: Mojave Desert Land Trust

By Janine Doyle posted 08-19-2019
Photo by Brandy Dyess/Mojave Desert Land Trust A champion of conservation, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) protects over 24.5 million acres of land within the entire California portion of the eastern Mojave and Colorado deserts. In fact, MDLT has donated more tracts of land to the national park system nationwide than any other non-profit since 2006. PLA had the opportunity to interview MDLT's Executive Director, Geary Hund, who has worked as a conservation professional for more than 40 years, beginning as a ranger and then as an ecologist with California State Parks. What does “conservation” mean to MDLT, and why is it so important? Hund: ...