Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
|
Total |
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Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 2,495,452 | 1,591,697 | 1,385,728 | 2,622,154 | 2,656,830 | 10,751,861 |
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | 2,495,452 | 1,591,697 | 1,385,728 | 2,622,154 | 2,656,830 | 10,751,861 |
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f).. | 1,165,306 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 9,586,555 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 2,495,452 | 1,591,697 | 1,385,728 | 2,622,154 | 2,656,830 | 10,751,861 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 11,623 | 10,975 | 12,770 | 13,298 | 14,622 | 63,288 |
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 10,815,149 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
||||
| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
|||||
| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by .035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | ||
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
||
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | ||
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | ||
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required) | ||
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | ||
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | ||
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
||
| 9 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | ||
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2019 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2019 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2019: | ||||
| a From 2014....... | ||||
| b From 2015....... | ||||
| c From 2016....... | ||||
| d From 2017....... | ||||
| e From 2018....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2014 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2019 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2019, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2019. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2020. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2015..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2016..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2017..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
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| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | NATIONAL PARK TRUST MISSION OUR MISSION IS TO PRESERVE PARKS TODAY AND CREATE PARK STEWARDS FOR TOMORROW. PRESERVE PARKS TODAY: FOR OVER 35 YEARS, NATIONAL PARK TRUST (THE PARK TRUST) HAS ENHANCED THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM BY ACQUIRING HIGH-PRIORITY PRIVATELY OWNED LAND FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS). THESE LANDS ARE LOCATED WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO NATIONAL PARKS AND REPRESENT THE MISSING PIECES OF OUR NATIONAL PARKS' SITES. TO DATE, THE PARK TRUST'S EFFORTS HAVE RESULTED IN THE PRESERVATION OF MORE THAN 25,000 ACRES OF CONSERVATION LANDS FROM DEVELOPMENT IMPACTING 48 NATIONAL PARK SITES. THE PARK TRUST SELECTS, ACQUIRES, AND PROTECTS PARKLAND, PROVIDING FUNDING AS WELL AS LEGAL AND REAL ESTATE EXPERTISE. ALL LANDS ARE DONATED OR SOLD TO NPS. OFTEN NPS USES SPECIFIED LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS (LWCF), TO PURCHASE PARCELS FROM THE PARK TRUST FOR PERMANENT PROTECTION. IN THESE CASES, NPS WILL ASK THE PARK TRUST TO PURCHASE THE LAND FIRST BECAUSE THE PARK TRUST CAN MOVE QUICKLY BEFORE THE LAND IS SOLD TO OTHERS. THE PARK TRUST ALSO SERVES AS A PARTNER WITH NATIONAL AND LOCAL LAND TRUSTS AND FRIENDS GROUPS TO COMPLETE PARK PRESERVATION PROJECTS. THE PARK TRUST'S LAND PROJECTS VARY IN SIZE FROM GREAT SWATHS OF LAND, INCLUDING THE MORE THAN 10,000 ACRES TO CREATE THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE (KS) TO EQUALLY IMPORTANT SMALLER PARCELS, SUCH AS THE 12.5 ACRES LOCATED WITHIN THE WILD BASIN AREA OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (CO). CREATE PARK STEWARDS FOR TOMORROW: THROUGH OUR NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED EDUCATION INITIATIVES INCLUDING THE BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAMS, KIDS TO PARKS DAY AND KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL GRANTS, THE PARK TRUST HAS FURTHER IMPACTED PARK PRESERVATION BY PROVIDING IN-DEPTH ENVIRONMENTAL, HISTORY, AND OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND TEACHERS - WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES. OUR GOAL IS TO CULTIVATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF PARK STEWARDS AND CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS WHO WILL MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR PARKS, PUBLIC LAND, AND WATER AND EXPERIENCE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION. THE PARK EXPERIENCES FUNDED BY THE PARK TRUST SUPPORT OUR THREE PILLARS BY 1) USING PARKS TO ENHANCE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM; 2) PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND 3) FOSTERING PARK STEWARDSHIP THROUGH CAREER AWARENESS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. TO DATE, THE PARK TRUST PROVIDES FUNDING FOR MORE THAN 96 TITLE I ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN 14 STATES AND WASHINGTON, DC. FOR EXAMPLE, IN OUR BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAM ALONE WHICH PROVIDES MULTIPLE PARK TRIPS AND EXPERIENCES EACH YEAR FOR STUDENTS, MORE THAN 80% OF THE 6,756 STUDENTS SUPPORTED BY THE PARK TRUST QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE LUNCH, THE FEDERAL INDICATOR OF LOW INCOME. TO DATE, THE PARK TRUST'S PROGRAMS HAVE REACHED MORE THAN 2-MILLION CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND THE PROGRAMS HAVE GARNERED RECOGNITION FROM LEADERS IN THE EDUCATION, MEDICAL, RECREATION, AND CONSERVATION COMMUNITIES INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR (DOI), NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS), AMERICA'S STATE PARKS, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, AND OUTDOORS ALLIANCE FOR KIDS. THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN SPRING 2020 BROUGHT UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES FOR OUR NATION'S SCHOOLS. WE KNOW THE TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT THAT PARKS AND THE OUTDOORS HAVE ON FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE LIVING IN LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. FOR OVER A DECADE, WE'VE BEEN BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS BETWEEN THOSE COMMUNITIES AND OUR OUTDOOR SPACES. UNFORTUNATELY, THESE BARRIERS HAVE ONLY BEEN ELEVATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CHILDREN THAT ALREADY HAD DIFFICULTY ACCESSING PARKS ARE FINDING IT EVEN MORE CHALLENGING TO ENJOY GREEN SPACES WHILE ADHERING TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES. HELPING SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES THROUGH THIS CRISIS IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. ALONG WITH PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR RECREATION CLOSE TO HOME, THE PARK TRUST HAS ALSO DEVELOPED THE BUDDY BISON CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM FOR OUR SCHOOLS. THIS NEW PROGRAM CONNECTS CHILDREN TO OUR PARKS THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY OUR PARKS AND PARTNERS AND PROVIDES GREATLY NEEDED MATERIALS FOR HANDS-ON, EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. THESE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES PROVIDE A BREAK FROM COMPUTER SCREENS AND CAN BE DONE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME. WHILE NOTHING CAN REPLACE THE MAGIC OF VISITING OUR PUBLIC LANDS IN PERSON, THE BUDDY BISON CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE TO KINDLE A LOVE FOR OUR PARKS IN OUR STUDENTS WHILE THEY ARE LEARNING REMOTELY FROM HOME FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. IN THE COMING YEARS, THE PARK TRUST WILL WORK TO EXPAND AND FURTHER INTEGRATE OUR LAND CONSERVATION AND YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS SO THAT WE NOT ONLY CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES IN NATURE WHERE CHILDREN GAIN IMPORTANT ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS BUT ALSO LEARN IMPORTANT LESSONS IN CONSERVATION, HISTORY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THEIR ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR NATION'S PARKLANDS. AND, WITH A POTENTIAL FEDERAL WORKFORCE RETIREMENT RATE OF 40 PERCENT IN THE NEXT DECADE, THE PARK TRUST HAS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES IN NATURE AND EXPOSE THEM TO GREEN CAREER PATHWAYS AS TECHNICIANS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, LAND MANAGERS, AND EDUCATORS, AMONG OTHER PROFESSIONS. YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS FROM HIKING TO THE TOP OF WATCHMAN OVERLOOK AT CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, TO CANOEING ALONG THE ANACOSTIA RIVER IN WASHINGTON, DC, NATIONAL PARK TRUST IS MAKING CONSERVATION RELEVANT TO THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FROM INNER-CITY AND RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. OUR PROGRAMS CENTER AROUND OUR LOVABLE PINT-SIZED WOOLLY MASCOT, BUDDY BISON WHO REMINDS KIDS TO "EXPLORE OUTDOORS, THE PARKS ARE YOURS!" BUDDY BISON IS NOT ONLY A TANGIBLE REMINDER THAT KIDS NEED TO GET OUT AND GO, BUT HE ALSO CONNECTS KIDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH EACH OTHER. FAMILIES AND TEACHERS ALIKE WANT TO KNOW, "WHERE'S BUDDY BISON BEEN?" IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING MORE THAN $280,000 IN DIRECT FUNDING IN THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR TO CREATE ROBUST PARK EXPERIENCES FOR UNDER-SERVED YOUTH, THE PARK TRUST PROVIDES EDUCATORS WITH CLASSROOM RESOURCES (BOOKS, MAPS, DVDS, LESSON PLANS, WORKSHEETS, STEM ACTIVITIES, ETC) AND A DEDICATED EDUCATION TEAM TO INTRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS AND ENHANCE SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN THE AREAS OF HISTORY, STEM, GEOGRAPHY, CIVICS, READING, LANGUAGE ARTS, MUSIC, AND ART. THROUGH OUR BUDDY BISON YOUTH PROGRAMS, THE PARK TRUST PROVIDED PARK PROGRAMS FOR 6,756 STUDENTS IN 97 SCHOOLS. OUR GOAL FOR ALL OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS IS TO INSPIRE A GENERATION OF FUTURE CONSERVATION LEADERS AND PARK ENTHUSIASTS. 1. BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAM FULLY INTEGRATES LEARNING OBJECTIVES FROM THE SCHOOL'S CURRICULUM WITH PARK PROGRAMS AND SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION MATERIALS. WORKING DIRECTLY WITH TEACHER FEEDBACK, THE PARK TRUST CUSTOMIZED OVER 58 TRIPS TO ALL PARKS WORKING WITH 3,506 STUDENTS. 2. THE KIDS TO PARKS DAY NATIONAL SCHOOL CONTEST HAS AWARDED 109 GRANTS TO 90 TITLE I SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT OVER 5,400 STUDENTS IN GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12. THE SELECTED SCHOOLS REPRESENT 37 STATES PLUS WASHINGTON, D.C. DUE TO COVID-19, ONLY TWO 2020 NATIONAL SCHOOL CONTEST WINNERS (28 STUDENTS) WERE ABLE TO TAKE THEIR PARK TRIP. THE REMAINING CONTEST WINNERS ARE POSTPONING THEIR TRIP OR USING THEIR RESOURCES FOR DIGITAL LEARNING. 3. IN ADDITION, THE PARK TRUST HAS ALSO IMPLEMENTED "PARK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS". THIS MODEL OF ENGAGEMENT FOCUSES OUR EFFORTS ON A PARTICULAR PARK, REACHING OUT TO AS MANY LOCAL SCHOOLS AS POSSIBLE TO BRING STUDENTS TO A PARTICULAR PARK FOR AN IMMERSIVE DAY OF OUTDOOR LEARNING. DURING THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR, NATIONAL PARK TRUST BROUGHT 3,222 STUDENTS TO THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AREAS: CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK, MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE, AND THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PROVED TO BE A MAJOR OBSTACLE FOR OUR SCHOOLS DURING THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR, LEADING TO CANCELED TRIPS WHEN CAMPUSES WERE CLOSED AND THUS A SMALLER AMOUNT OF DIRECT FUNDS GOING TO SCHOOLS. BY APRIL 2020, ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS HAD MOVED TO A DISTANCE-LEARNING MODEL AND ALL SPRING PARK TRIPS WERE CANCELED OR POSTPONED TO THE FOLLOWING YEAR. TO BETTER SUPPORT TEACHERS, AND KEEP OUR STUDENTS CONNECTED TO THE PARKS WHILE LEARNING FROM HOME OR THE CLASSROOM, WE DEVELOPED THE BUDDY BISON CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM TO BRING PARKS AND CONSERVATION LESSONS TO KIDS. DURING THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR, THE BUDDY BISON YOUTH PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CALIFORNIA - 17 SCHOOLS, 1,404 STUDENTS DELAWARE - 2 SCHOOLS, 225 STUDENTS GEORGIA - 4 SCHOOLS, 318 STUDENTS ILLINOIS - 4 SCHOOLS, 126 STUDENTS KANSAS - 4 SCHOOLS, 189 STUDENTS MARYLAND - 16 SCHOOLS, 1,011 STUDENTS MISSOURI - 1 SCHOOL, 65 STUDENTS MONTANA - 1 SCHOOL, 55 STUDENTS NEW YORK - 2 SCHOOLS, 154 STUDENTS NORTH CAROLINA - 1 SCHOOL, 725 STUDENTS |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | PENNSYLVANIA - 1 SCHOOL, 130 STUDENTS TEXAS - 1 SCHOOL, 77 STUDENTS VIRGINIA - 7 SCHOOLS, 386 STUDENTS WASHINGTON, DC - 36 SCHOOLS, 2,544 STUDENTS MANY SCHOOLS CANCELED OR POSTPONED THEIR PLANNED TRIPS DUE TO THE COVID 19 OUTBREAK. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO PROVIDE VIRTUAL PROGRAMS OR IN-PERSON PARK EXPERIENCE DURING THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR FOR THESE LOCATIONS: ALABAMA - 2 SCHOOLS, 380 STUDENTS ARIZONA - 1 SCHOOL, 10 STUDENTS CALIFORNIA - 9 SCHOOLS, 562 STUDENTS COLORADO - 6 SCHOOLS, 502 STUDENTS DELAWARE - 1 SCHOOL, 25 STUDENTS GEORGIA - 6 SCHOOLS, 436 STUDENTS HAWAII - 2 SCHOOLS, 116 STUDENTS IDAHO - 4 SCHOOLS, 284 STUDENTS ILLINOIS - 8 SCHOOLS, 238 STUDENTS INDIANA - 5 SCHOOLS, 326 STUDENTS KANSAS - 2 SCHOOLS, 124 STUDENTS KENTUCKY - 2 SCHOOLS, 333 STUDENTS LOUISIANA - 1 SCHOOL, 107 STUDENTS MARYLAND - 25 SCHOOLS, 1,418 STUDENTS MASSACHUSETTS - 1 SCHOOL, 16 STUDENTS MICHIGAN - 3 SCHOOLS, 613 STUDENTS MINNESOTA- 3 SCHOOLS, 210 STUDENTS MISSISSIPPI - 1 SCHOOL, 145 STUDENTS MISSOURI - 1 SCHOOL, 12 STUDENTS MONTANA - 1 SCHOOL, 29 STUDENTS NEVADA - 5 SCHOOLS, 480 STUDENTS NEW JERSEY - 5 SCHOOLS, 423 STUDENTS NEW MEXICO - 1 SCHOOL, 40 STUDENTS NEW YORK - 5 SCHOOLS, 273 STUDENTS NORTH CAROLINA - 5 SCHOOLS, 263 STUDENTS OHIO - 3 SCHOOLS, 249 STUDENTS OREGON - 1 SCHOOL, 80 STUDENTS PENNSYLVANIA - 7 SCHOOL, 595 STUDENTS RHODE ISLAND - 1 SCHOOL, 54 STUDENTS SOUTH CAROLINA - 1 SCHOOL, 45 STUDENTS SOUTH DAKOTA - 1 SCHOOL, 43 STUDENTS TENNESSEE - 1 SCHOOL, 180 STUDENTS UTAH - 1 SCHOOL, 75 STUDENTS VIRGINIA - 10 SCHOOLS, 398 STUDENTS WASHINGTON - 2 SCHOOLS, 180 STUDENTS WASHINGTON, DC - 1 SCHOOL, 78 STUDENTS BELOW ARE SAMPLES OF BUDDY BISON SCHOOL EVENTS IMPLEMENTED BY THE PARK TRUST: CALIFORNIA: FEBRUARY 2020: 47 4TH GRADERS FROM CLIFFORD ELEMENTARY PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLESHIP IOWA MUSEUM'S SIGNATURE "DAY OF DISCOVERY" PROGRAM, WHICH CENTERS STEM LEARNING IN THE CONTEXT OF MARITIME HISTORY AND SCIENCE. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES SIMPLE MACHINES, DEPTH MEASUREMENT, WATER DISPLACEMENT/BUOYANCY, STRAW PROJECTILES, AND A TARP FLIP TEAM BUILDER. A TAKE-HOME GUIDE WAS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE HYDRODYNAMICS, VENTILATION, NAVIGATION, DISTANCE CALCULATION, AND THE PARABOLIC PATH. DELAWARE: OCTOBER 2019: 225 STUDENTS FROM GREAT OAKS PCS AND DUPONT MIDDLE SCHOOL SPENT THE DAY AT FIRST STATE NATIONAL PARK, WHERE THEY EXPLORED STEM-BASED LEARNING ACTIVITIES. STUDENTS ROTATED THROUGH 9 STATIONS, WHICH COVERED TOPICS LIKE THE DELAWARE WATERSHED, BOAT BUILDING, LOCAL ANIMAL SPECIES, TREE ID, AND A GUIDED WALK IN THE WOODS. GEORGIA: NOVEMBER 2019: 64 3RD GRADERS FROM JONES ELEMENTARY ATTENDED THE STONE MOUNTAIN NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL & POW-WOW. STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT PRIMITIVE SKILLS SUCH AS FLINT-KNAPPING, BOW MAKING, FIRE STARTING, OPEN FIRE COOKING, AND POTTERY. THEY ALSO EXPLORED TIPIS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL NATIVE DWELLINGS. TEACHERS AND STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES SUCH AS AN ENCAMPMENT SHOWING THE LIFESTYLE OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES. ILLINOIS: NOVEMBER 2019: 35 4TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM HAMMOND ELEMENTARY WENT ON THE MILLER WOODS HIKE AT INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK, WHERE THEY LEARNED ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS AND INVASIVE SPECIES. THEY ALSO LEARNED ABOUT THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE DUNES, WHY THE PLANTS ARE IMPORTANT, AND WHAT THEY CAN DO TO HELP WITH PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT. TO SUPPLEMENT THE ANIMALS IN THE ECOSYSTEM THAT THEY LEARNED ABOUT, STUDENTS HAD THE CHANCE TO INTERACT WITH PELTS AND BONES FROM VARIOUS ANIMALS AND ASK QUESTIONS. KANSAS: OCTOBER 2019: 60 4TH GRADERS FROM BUCKNER ELEMENTARY VISITED TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE. STUDENTS STARTED THE DAY BY ENGAGING IN AMERICAN BISON AND FIRE ECOLOGY ACTIVITIES. AFTER THAT STUDENTS TOURED THE HISTORIC BARN, RANCH HOUSE, AND OUTBUILDINGS, AND THE TEPEE TO EXPLORE HOW DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE LIVED ON THE PLAINS. THE FINAL ACTIVITY WAS A RIDE ON THE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE HORSE-DRAWN WAGON. DURING THE RIDE, STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT WESTWARD EXPANSION AND TOOK IN THE AMAZING VIEWS OF THE PLAINS. MARYLAND: NOVEMBER 2019: 140 4TH GRADERS FROM GAITHERSBURG ELEMENTARY PARTICIPATED IN THE "ECO-EXPLORERS" PROGRAM AT THE NATIONAL COLONIAL FARM WITH THE ACCOKEEK FOUNDATION. THROUGH INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE-BASED TOURS, STUDENTS EXAMINED THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PAST (COLONIAL MD IN THE 1770S) AND PRESENT TIME AND LEARNED HOW DECISIONS ABOUT OUR DAILY LIVES CAN IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT. THESE PROGRAMS HELPED TO SHOW THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN INTERACTION WITH THE LAND WHILE ENCOURAGING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AN OUTDOOR LIVING CLASSROOM. FEBRUARY 2020: 76 5TH GRADERS FROM COMMODORE JOHN ROGERS ELEMENTARY VISITED OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER TO TAKE PART IN THE MAPLE SUGARING PROGRAMS AND GOT TO TRY THEIR HAND AT TAPPING THE TREES. MISSOURI: DECEMBER 2019: 65 4TH GRADERS FROM MULLANPHY ILC VISITED GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK. STUDENTS VISITED THE NEWLY RENOVATED MUSEUM UNDER THE GATEWAY ARCH TO EXPLORE WHY ST. LOUIS IS CONSIDERED THE "GATEWAY TO THE WEST". STUDENTS DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS AND TOOK TURNS RIDING THE TRAM UP TO THE TOP OF THE ARCH AND EXPLORING THE MUSEUM. TO END THE DAY, STUDENTS MET BUDDY BISON AND RECEIVED THEIR EVERY KID IN A PARK PASSES. NEW YORK: NOVEMBER 2019: 32 6TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM BROOKLYN JESUIT PREP WENT TO THE EDUCATION CENTER AT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK CONSERVANCY. DURING THE PROGRAM, STUDENTS EXAMINED THE SUSTAINABLE AND GREEN DESIGN OF THE PARK INCLUDING WATER CONSERVATION, ECOLOGICAL INITIATIVES, AND MATERIAL REUSE. A GUIDED TOUR WAS EMBEDDED WITH ACTIVITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS THAT PROMOTE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THESE INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS. NORTH CAROLINA: OCTOBER 2019: 72 3RD GRADERS VISITED THE CRADLE OF FORESTRY IN AMERICA CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE "LIVING WITH THE FOREST" PROGRAM WHERE, IN SMALL GROUPS AMONG THE CRADLE'S HISTORIC BUILDINGS, STUDENTS ROLE-PLAYED DOING CHORES IN AN EARLY 1900'S MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY. THEY WILL EXPERIENCE HOW FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DEPENDED ON EACH OTHER AND THEIR FOREST RESOURCES WHILE MAKING COMPARISONS TO THEIR OWN LIVES. PENNSYLVANIA: NOVEMBER 2019: 130 5TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM CHESTER COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL VISITED INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. TEXAS: MARCH 2020: 77 7TH AND 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE EHRHART SCHOOL STARTED THE DAY AT SAM HOUSTON PARK, WHERE THE HERITAGE SOCIETY GAVE STUDENTS A TOUR OF THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND DISCUSSED HOUSTON'S DEVELOPMENT FROM THE 1800S TO THE PRESENT. AFTERWARD, STUDENTS WENT TO THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE TO EXPLORE THE EXHIBITS. VIRGINIA: NOVEMBER 2019: DREW ELEMENTARY'S 60 2ND GRADERS STARTED THEIR DAY BY PARTICIPATING IN A "WEB OF LIFE" PROGRAM AT THE WATKINS NATURE CENTER, WHERE THEY LEARNED ABOUT DIFFERENT TROPHIC LEVELS AND THE ROLE OF ANIMALS IN THEIR ECOSYSTEMS. AFTERWARD, PARK TRUST STAFF LED THE STUDENTS ON A HIKE THROUGH THE WOODS AND LET THE KIDS PLAY ON THE WIZARD OF OZ-THEMED PLAYGROUND. WASHINGTON, DC: NOVEMBER 2019: 32 3RD GRADE STUDENTS FROM NEVAL THOMAS ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WENT ON A TOUR OF THE NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS WITH RANGER BETHANY, STARTING AT THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL, AND CONTINUING THROUGH FDR, MLK, AND LINCOLN. SHE PROVIDED HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND ASSIGNED "CHALLENGE QUESTIONS" TO THE STUDENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONUMENT TOUR, HELPING BRING THESE SPACES TO LIFE. JANUARY 2020: 45 4TH-GRADERS FROM CESAR CHAVEZ PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL VISITED KENILWORTH PARK AQUATIC GARDENS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE "BE A JUNIOR RANGER'' PROGRAM. STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE ADAPTATIONS OF AQUATIC PLANTS, HOW THE GARDENS CHANGE WHEN THE SEASONS DO, AND WHAT ANIMALS MAKE THE GARDENS THEIR HOME. THEY SAW TROPICAL PLANTS IN THE GREENHOUSE AS WELL. EACH STUDENT WORKED ON THEIR JUNIOR RANGER BOOKLET, COMPLETING ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED THEM LEARN ABOUT THE GARDENS, AND WAS INDUCTED AS JUNIOR RANGERS WITH A PLEDGE AND A BADGE. KIDS TO PARKS DAY AS A PUBLIC EXTENSION OF OUR RAPIDLY GROWING BUDDY BISON YOUTH PROGRAMS, THE PARK TRUST ALSO INITIATED KIDS TO PARKS DAY IN 2011. KIDS TO PARKS DAY HAS CAPTURED THE INTEREST OF MANY COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, NATIONAL PARK TRUST TOOK THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF KIDS TO PARKS DAY DIGITAL AND INSTEAD CELEBRATED MAY 16, 2020, AS PARKS TO KIDS DAY. OUR GOAL WAS TO BRING THE OUTDOORS TO KIDS AND FAMILIES AS THEY ISOLATE AT HOME AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. THE IMPACT WAS MEASURED THIS YEAR BY SOCIAL MEDIA/ONLINE ANALYTICS WHICH SHOWED MORE THAN 4.1 MILLION PEOPLE WERE REACHED THROUGH PARKS TO KIDS SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGING AND 484,323 PEOPLE WERE REACHED THROUGH NATIONAL TV SPOTS. HUNDREDS OF MAYORS PROCLAIMED THE DAY AS "NATIONAL PARKS TO KIDS DAY AND OUR PARKS TO KIDS AT- |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | HOME RESOURCES WERE DOWNLOADED BY THOUSANDS OF KIDS AND FAMILIES NATIONWIDE. TO COMPLEMENT THE PIVOT TO PARKS TO KIDS DAY, NATIONAL PARK TRUST UPDATED ITS FREE MOBILE PARKPASSPORT APP WITH 500 VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES AT 180 DIFFERENT PARK SITES AND FUN DIGITAL BADGES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE APPLE APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY. THE APP ALLOWS USERS TO EXPLORE PARKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN-PERSON OR FROM HOME. THEY CAN DISCOVER NEW PARKS, EARN BADGES, SHARE PHOTOS, CONNECT WITH FRIENDS, TRACK PARK VISITS, AND SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH A COMMUNITY OF OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS. MILITARY FAMILY PROGRAMS THE NATIONAL PARK TRUST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLUE STAR FAMILIES (BSF), NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS), AND THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE PROVIDES MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL PARK EXPERIENCES FOR NEARLY 1500 ACTIVE MILITARY AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE GOAL OF THESE COLLABORATIONS IS TO ENCOURAGE MILITARY-CONNECTED MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE THEIR LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL PARKS AND TO EXPERIENCE THE EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS WHILE DEVELOPING LIFELONG OUTDOOR RECREATION HABITS. LAND AND PARK PRESERVATION PROGRAMS THE PARK TRUST CONTINUES TO MAKE GREAT PROGRESS WITH OUR PARK CONSERVATION EFFORTS. IN THE LATE 1990S, WE WERE THE LEAD ORGANIZATION TO CREATE A NEW UNIT OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM DEDICATED TO PRESERVING OUR COUNTRY'S PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM - THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE. THE PARK TRUST CONTINUES TO BE INSTRUMENTAL IN ADDING CRITICAL PRIVATE LANDS TO OTHER PARKS INCLUDING MOST RECENTLY IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO; OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA, PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE, MI, LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, CA; APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL, ME, NY, AND VA; VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE, NM, WASHITA BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, OK, AND ST CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY, WI. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON SEVERAL NEW AND UNIQUE PRESERVATION PROJECTS INCLUDING: FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, KS INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK, IN MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK, VA MONOCACY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD, MD FOR A LIST OF OUR COMPLETED PROJECTS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.PARKTRUST.ORG. RECENTLY COMPLETED AND ONGOING PROJECTS INCLUDE: ARKANSAS: JOHNNYCAKE RANCH (ONGOING SINCE 2003) THE PARK TRUST HOLDS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON THIS 2000 ACRE RANCH, WHICH ABUTS THE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST AND THE POTEAU MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AREA. THE FOREST IS HOME TO 79 PROPOSED, ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES. THE EASEMENT ALSO PROVIDES HABITAT PROTECTION FOR THE BALD EAGLE. THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT BENEFITS BOTH THE WILDERNESS AREA AND THE NATIONAL FOREST BY PROVIDING A BUFFER ZONE TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED ECOLOGICAL VIABILITY OF THESE FEDERAL ASSETS. BEGINNING IN 2018, THE PARK TRUST IS CONTRACTING WITH A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BASED LAND TRUST TO OVERSEE EASEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE PROJECT. MICHIGAN: COMPLETE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE (2017-2019) THANKS TO GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE CARLS FOUNDATION, THE PARK TRUST PURCHASED AN IMPORTANT HISTORIC PROPERTY TO BENEFIT PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE (MI). IN OCTOBER 2019, THE FINAL REMOVAL OF A NON-HISTORIC HOUSE ON THE PROPERTY IMPROVED THE HISTORIC SCENE AND PROVIDED PARKING FOR THE SITE. VIRGINIA: APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (AT)- (2018-2020) THE PARK TRUST WORKED WITH THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY AND THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO PROTECT 239 ACRES ALONG THE AT. THE NPS WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO TAKE TITLE TO THE PROPERTY WITHIN A TIME FRAME ACCEPTABLE TO THE OWNER, SO THE PARK TRUST ACCEPTED THE TITLE UNTIL NPS WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE TITLE AND INCORPORATE THE LAND INTO THE AT. MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK (2016-PRESENT) IN 1914, 3 CIVIL WAR VETERANS FORMED A TRUST AND BOUGHT 1 ACRE OF LAND ON THE HISTORIC LOCATION OF THE SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. THEY PLACED A GRANITE MONUMENT ON THE LAND TO COMMEMORATE THEIR COMMANDER, FLETCHER WEBSTER, ON THE SPOT WHERE HE FELL IN BATTLE. THE THREE MEN PASSED AWAY IN THE 1920S AND MADE NO PROVISION FOR CARE OR OWNERSHIP OF THE LAND. THE PROPERTY AROUND THE ACRE BECAME PART OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM IN 1936, BUT THIS ACRE WAS SPECIFICALLY LEFT OUT. THE PARK TRUST HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE NPS AND PRO BONO ATTORNEY ASSISTANCE TO FIND A PATHWAY, UNDER VIRGINIA LAW, TO ACCEPT OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER IT TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO BECOME PART OF MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK. NEW MEXICO VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE (2019) THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WAS INTERESTED IN A 40-ACRE PROPERTY AND HAD LWCF MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF THE APPRAISED VALUE, $405,000. HOWEVER, THE OWNER FELT THE PROPERTY WAS WORTH MORE AND ASKED $500,000, OR $95,000 MORE THAN THE GOVERNMENT APPRAISED VALUE; THE NPS BARGAINED IT DOWN FROM A HIGHER VALUE. THE OWNER AGREED TO SELL AT $500,000 BUT GAVE NPS UNTIL AUGUST 12, 2019, TO BUY IT OR WOULD PUT THE PROPERTY ON THE OPEN MARKET. THE UNIQUE SULFUR HOT SPRING FEATURE MIGHT HAVE LENT ITSELF TO A RESORT-STYLE DEVELOPMENT. NPS APPROACHED OTHER NON-PROFITS, AS WELL AS THE PARK TRUST FOR FUNDING, BUT NONE BUT THE PARK TRUST STEPPED FORWARD. THE PARK TRUST AND A PRIVATE DONOR, WITH THE SUPPORT OF BOARD MEMBERS AND TWO PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, RAISED THE "GAP" FUNDING AND MADE THE PURCHASE POSSIBLE. CALIFORNIA LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (2019-2020) NATIONAL PARK TRUST USED THEIR TREASURE FOREVER FUND, TO SECURE A REMOTE PROPERTY AT THE PARK, ALLOWING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO MEET THE OWNER'S DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION OF THE SALE. IT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AND PERMANENTLY PROTECTED IN ITS NATURAL STATE. IT ALSO HELPS PROTECT ONE MORE SEGMENT OF THE HISTORIC NOBLES EMIGRANT TRAIL, A WESTERN MIGRATION ROUTE PIONEERED BY WILLIAM H. NOBLE IN THE EARLY 1850S. WISCONSIN ST. CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY (2019-2020) NATIONAL PARK TRUST ADDED 145 ACRES TO THE ST. CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY. THE PROJECT INVOLVED A LAND EXCHANGE; THE PARK TRUST WORKED WITH THE WISCONSIN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC LANDS TO BUY VALUABLE TIMBERLAND AND TRADE IT FOR THREE PARCELS OF STATE LAND ALONG THE ST. CROIX AND NAMEKAGON RIVERS. THE PARK TRUST TRANSFERRED THE THREE PARCELS TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, WHICH ARE NOW A PART OF THE RIVERWAY. THE RIVERS FLOW THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST SCENIC AND LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN THE UPPER MIDWEST. INDIANA INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK (2020-PRESENT) THE MARQUETTE GREENWAY IS A PROJECT TO DEVELOP A 58-MILE TRAIL ALONG THE SHORE OF LAKE MICHIGAN IN INDIANA, FROM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS TO NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN. THE TRAIL SPLITS INTO 20 SEGMENTS OF VARIOUS LENGTHS, AS DIVIDED BY THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE TRAIL IS LOCATED. THE PARK TRUST WOULD PROVIDE FUNDS FOR DUE DILIGENCE AND QUIET TITLE ACTIONS ON 9 ABANDONED LOTS IN A SUBDIVISION. THESE LOTS WERE OWNED BY A RAILROAD COMPANY, ON THE LAND THEY OWNED FOR THEIR RAILWAY, WHICH THEY FORMALLY ABANDONED. WE ARE WORKING WITH SAVE THE DUNES, A LOCAL ATTORNEY IN GARY, AND THE CITY OF GARY ON 4 PARCELS THAT SAVE THE DUNES RECEIVED FROM LAKE COUNTY. THOUGH IT WAS DONATED, IT WAS TREATED AS A TAX SALE. THE ATTORNEY IS WORKING TO GET A TAX DEED, AFTER WHICH SHE WILL DO A QUIET TITLE ACTION, SO SAVE THE DUNES CAN TAKE POSSESSION OF THE DEED AND BEGIN THE TRANSFER TO NPS. MICHIGAN RIVER RAISIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD (2018-PRESENT). THE PROJECT IS A $7 MILLION PROJECT TO PURCHASE LAND IN THE CORE OF THE BATTLEFIELD, AND THERE WAS A $535,000 FUNDING GAP. MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ISSUED A GRANT FOR $4.8 MILLION, REQUIRING A 29% MATCH. THE PARK TRUST APPLIED FOR A GRANT WITH THE CARLS FOUNDATIONS; THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FUND THE ENTIRE AMOUNT, BUT SAID THEY WERE CONSIDERING A CONTRIBUTION, BECAUSE OF THE MERITS OF THE PROJECT. PARTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE USED IMMEDIATELY; THERE ARE NUMEROUS PARCELS WITH VARIOUS OWNERS, AND NO RESTRICTIONS TO WAIT UNTIL THE ENTIRE MATCH IS AVAILABLE BEFORE PURCHASES CAN BE MADE. ALL PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE WILLING SELLERS. THE PARK TRUST RECEIVED A GRANT IN 2019 OF $206,427.80 FROM CARL'S FOUNDATION TO BUY THE FIRST 7 OR 8 PROPERTIES ON THE NPS PRIORITY LIST. THE GRANT, WHEN COMBINED WITH A GRANT FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, WILL TOTAL $711,820. THE PROCESS TO BUY THE PROPERTIES IS ONGOING. MARYLAND MONOCACY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD (2018-PRESENT) THERE ARE TWO CIVIL WAR MONUMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING LAND THAT REMAIN IN THE OWNERSHIP OF THE RESPECTIVE STATES OF ORIGIN OF THE MILITARY UNITS ENGAGED IN THE BATTLE. THEY ARE THE NEW JERSEY AND VERMONT MONUMENTS. THE PARK TRUST WORKED TO FIND THE PROPERTY DEEDS AND POINT OF CONTACT WITH EACH STATE. WE WORKED WITH THE PARK SUPERINTENDENT TO DEVELOP A COURSE OF ACTION AND NPS TO PROCEED. WE CONTACTED NJ STATE PARKS AND THE VT STATE PRESERVATION OFFICE, BOTH OF WHICH WERE WILLING TO WORK WITH THE PARK TRUST TO MAKE THE TRANSFERS. A PRO |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | BONO ATTORNEY IS SUPPORTING THE LEGAL PROCESS OF ELIMINATING A DEED RESTRICTION THAT SAYS THE PROPERTY CAN NEVER BE SOLD; THOUGH COMMONLY ACCEPTED TO BE A VOID CONDITION, A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE NECESSARY TO FORMALLY REMOVE IT FROM THE DEED. THE STATE OF VERMONT HAS PASSED LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER TO THE NPS. THE PROJECTS ARE ONGOING. CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, MD (2017-PRESENT) THE C&O CANAL SUPERINTENDENT IDENTIFIED A 2-ACRE PROPERTY ADJACENT TO NPS LAND ON WHICH ARE THE RUINS OF THE SENECA STONE MILL. THE TWO ACRES APPEARED AS AN EXHIBIT ON A DEED TO THE STATE OF MARYLAND, WHICH ALSO NOTED IT WAS INTENDED TO BE TRANSFERRED TO NPS; THE TRANSFER NEVER HAPPENED. BOARD MEMBER RAY SHERBILL ASSISTED THROUGH HIS FIRM WITH GETTING A TITLE REPORT THAT POINTED TO THE STATE AS OWNERS OF THE PARCEL. THE ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND INITIALLY FELT THE STATE DID NOT OWN THE PROPERTY. AFTER A REVIEW OF THE TITLE REPORT AND DEEDS, THE ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL CHANGED HIS POSITION, GIVING THE OPINION THAT THE STATE-OWNED THE PROPERTY, AND WOULD BE WILLING TO TRANSFER IT DIRECTLY TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. THE STATE ESTIMATED THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROCESS WOULD BE FINISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2019, AFTER WHICH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES WILL COMPLETE THE PROCESS. THE STATE HAS COMPLETED ITS PREPARATIONS AND IS AWAITING THE NPS TO COMPLETE ITS PART OF THE PROCESS FOR THE TRANSFER, IN WHICH THE PARK TRUST IS ASSISTING. NEW MEXICO PECOS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (2019-PRESENT). THERE ARE SEVERAL PROPERTIES OUTSIDE THE PARK BOUNDARY THE NPS COULD EASILY ACQUIRE FOR PECOS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK IF THE BOUNDARY OF THE PARK WERE ADJUSTED. THERE ARE 5 PROPERTIES, TOTALING ABOUT 100 ACRES, ACTUALLY OWNED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, BUT CANNOT BE MANAGED BY OR INCLUDED IN PECOS NHP. THE NPS HAS FUNDS TO BUY ABOUT 198 ACRES OF UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE PARK. A LOCAL OWNER ALSO WANTS TO DONATE ABOUT 26 ACRES OF ADJACENT PROPERTY. THE NPS IS HOPING TO GET A BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT. UNDER FEDERAL LAW, CONGRESS MUST MAKE THE CHANGE IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 200 ACRES OF PROPERTY, OR IF THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY IS MORE THAN $750,000, SO CONGRESS MUST ACT IN THIS CASE. THE PARK TRUST PROVIDED AN INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING FOR NM SENATOR MARTIN HEINRICH, TO LET HIM KNOW OF THE ISSUE, AFTER WHICH THE SENATOR'S OFFICE CONTACTED THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WITH A FORMAL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. WYOMING FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (2018-PRESENT) THERE IS A 12-ACRE PIECE OF LAND INSIDE THE PARK THAT DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR OWNER. A SHIFTING RIVER CREATED THE PROPERTY, BUT IT APPEARS IT WAS NEVER SURVEYED AND INCLUDED IN THE DEED FOR THE ADJACENT PROPERTY. THE ADJACENT PROPERTY WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE NPS, AND THIS PROPERTY WAS INTENDED TO BE TRANSFERRED WITH IT. COUNTY RECORDS SHOW IT AS FEDERAL PROPERTY. THE PARK TRUST WORKED WITH NPS LANDS AND A CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNICIAN TO BRIEF THEM ON HIS RESEARCH AND OPINION THAT THE DETERMINING FACTOR IN OWNERSHIP WAS WHETHER THE LAND COULD TRANSFER TO NPS OWNERSHIP THROUGH THE PRINCIPLE OF ACCRETION OR AVULSION (COMMON LAW WHEN A RIVER CHANGES COURSE) - TWO DIFFERENT MECHANISMS. NPS AGREES WITH THE ANALYSIS AND IS REQUESTING A TECHNICAL BOUNDARY CORRECTION (A MISTAKE IN THE ORIGINAL BOUNDARY DETERMINATION) WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)ATTORNEY'S ASSISTANCE. THE PROCESS CONTINUES. PUBLIC EDUCATION THE PARK TRUST UNDERTAKES AND CONDUCTS PROGRAMS TO EDUCATE AND RAISE THE PROFILE OF NATIONAL PARKS AND THEIR NEEDS WITH THE PUBLIC, PARK AGENCIES, AND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES. THE PARK TRUST CIRCULATES ITS MONTHLY PUBLICATION, "NATIONAL PARK TRUST NEWS" (ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER) WHICH DESCRIBES CRITICAL PARKLAND ACQUISITIONS AND RELATED ISSUES. THIS INFORMATION IS ALSO SHARED ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS (INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER) AS WELL AS ON OUR WEBSITE, IN OUR ANNUAL REPORT, IN PRINT MAILINGS TO OUR SUPPORTERS, AND THROUGH PRESS RELEASES. THE PARK TRUST HOSTS ITS ANNUAL BRUCE F. VENTO PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD EVENT TO HONOR A PUBLIC SERVANT FOR HIS OR HER COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT; AND HIS OR HER SERVICE, SKILL, AND INNOVATION IN SUPPORT OF OUR PUBLIC LANDS; AND TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH INFORMATION ON SUCH SERVICE. IN 2020, THE AWARD RECIPIENT WAS SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO FROM HAWAII AND THE PROGRAM WAS DONE VIRTUALLY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. THE PARK TRUST ALSO HOSTS ITS AMERICAN PARK EXPERIENCE AWARD EVENT TO RECOGNIZE AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP THAT HAS MADE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION OF OUR NATION'S PARKS, WILDLIFE REFUGES, AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH INFORMATION ON SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS. IN 2020, THE AWARD RECIPIENT WAS HYDROFLASK AND WAS PROVIDED VIRTUALLY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 | THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL CONSIST OF NO LESS THAN TEN AND NO MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE INDIVIDUALS" INCREASING FROM TWENTY-TWO. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B | THE DRAFT 990 IS FIRST REVIEWED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION (DFA) AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ACCURACY AND CONTENT. PRIOR TO FILING, THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS PROVIDED A COPY OF THE FINAL FORM 990. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | EACH TRUSTEE AND OFFICER IS REQUIRED TO REVIEW A COPY OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, WHICH REQUIRES EACH PERSON TO DISCLOSE ANY RELATIONSHIPS, POSITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE OR SHE BELIEVES COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A CONFLICT. FOLLOWING FULL DISCLOSURE OF A POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS AND IF SO, THE BOARD SHALL VOTE TO AUTHORIZE OR REJECT THE TRANSACTION OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION DEEMED NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE CONFLICT AND PROTECT NPT'S BEST INTERESTS. THE TRUSTEE OR OFFICER WHO HAS THE CONFLICT IS RECUSED FROM ANY DISCUSSION AND VOTE. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 | THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AS WELL AS REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION FOR OTHER SENIOR STAFF WHEN REQUESTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
| FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C | THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. |
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