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 | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 2,622,154 | 2,295,070 | 2,395,413 | 4,379,826 | 4,353,793 | 16,046,256 |
| 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 | 2,622,154 | 2,295,070 | 2,395,413 | 4,379,826 | 4,353,793 | 16,046,256 |
| 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) .. | 1,442,001 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 14,604,255 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 2,622,154 | 2,295,070 | 2,395,413 | 4,379,826 | 4,353,793 | 16,046,256 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 13,298 | 14,996 | 13,134 | 11,409 | 12,562 | 65,399 |
| 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 | 16,111,655 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (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) 2018 | (b) 2019 | (c) 2020 | (d) 2021 | (e) 2022 | (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 on 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) |
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| 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): |
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| 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 0.015 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 0.035 | 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 | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2022 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2022 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2022 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2022: | ||||
| a From 2017....... | ||||
| b From 2018....... | ||||
| c From 2019....... | ||||
| d From 2020....... | ||||
| e From 2021....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2017 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2022 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2022 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2022, 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 2022. 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 2023. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| 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: SINCE 1983, NATIONAL PARK TRUST HAS COMPLETED 77 LAND ACQUISITION, RESTORATION, AND MITIGATION PROJECTS TO PROTECT MORE THAN 25,000 ACRES IN 30 STATES, ONE U.S. TERRITORY, AND WASHINGTON, D.C. SIXTY-TWO OF THESE PROJECTS HAVE BENEFITED 50 UNITS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. WHILE OUR EARLIER WORK INCLUDED THE PRESERVATION OF VARIOUS FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PUBLIC LANDS, CURRENTLY OUR WORK FOCUSES SOLELY ON NATIONAL PARK SITES. THE PARK TRUST SELECTS LAND PROJECTS IN RESPONSE TO DIRECT REQUESTS FROM THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) FOR REAL ESTATE ASSISTANCE TO ACQUIRE PRIVATELY OWNED PARCELS FROM WILLING SELLERS.THE ACQUIRED LANDS ARE LOCATED WITHIN CURRENT NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARIES AS WELL AS ADJACENT LANDS TO NATIONAL PARKS. ALL LANDS ACQUIRED ARE SOLD OR DONATED TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR PERMANENT PROTECTION. THE PARK TRUST OFTEN WORKS AS THE SOLE NON-PROFIT PARTNER WITH THE NPS ON A PARTICULAR PROJECT; WE ALSO WORK WITH OTHER PARTNERS INCLUDING NATIONAL AND LOCAL LAND TRUSTS AND FRIENDS GROUPS TO COMPLETE PARK PRESERVATION PROJECTS. CREATE PARK STEWARDS FOR TOMORROW: TO ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF OUR PARKS AND PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS IN PERPETUITY, NATIONAL PARK TRUST GETS KIDS AND FAMILIES TO PARKS TO CULTIVATE FUTURE PARK STEWARDS AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS. THE PARK TRUST HAS FOUR NATIONAL INITIATIVES TO ENGAGE YOUTH AND FAMILIES: 1) BUDDY BISON PROGRAMS, 2) NATIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY, 3) MILITARY FAMILY PROGRAM, AND 4) COLLEGE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM. THESE INITIATIVES PROVIDE PARK EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERSERVED YOUTH, TEACHERS, MILITARY FAMILIES, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THE GOALS OF ALL PARK TRUST YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS ARE TO 1) USE PARKS AS OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS, 2) PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND 3) FOSTER PARK STEWARDSHIP THROUGH CAREER AWARENESS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. TO DATE, SINCE 2009, THE PARK TRUST'S YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS HAVE IMPACTED MORE THAN 3,100,000 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WHITE HOUSE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. FOREST SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, AND NUMEROUS EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION PARTNERS. SINCE THE PANDEMIC WHEN PROGRAMS EVOLVED TO VIRTUAL/DIGITAL FORMATS, THE PARK TRUST HAS RESPONDED TO REQUESTS FROM OUR EDUCATORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND NOW EMPLOYS A HYBRID EDUCATIONAL APPROACH TO CONNECT KIDS TO PARKS.THIS BLENDS THE BEST OF LOCAL PARK TRIPS AND VIRTUAL PROGRAMS WITH RANGERS TO CONNECT CHILDREN WITH PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. IN THE COMING YEARS, THE PARK TRUST WILL WORK TO EXPAND AND FURTHER INTEGRATE OUR LAND CONSERVATION AND YOUTH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, SO THAT WE CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES IN NATURE WHERE CHILDREN GAIN IMPORTANT ACADEMIC AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND HAVE NEW OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES. WE ALSO TEACH THEM IMPORTANT LESSONS IN CONSERVATION, HISTORY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THEIR ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR NATION'S PARKLANDS. IN ADDITION, 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. ANOTHER WAY THE PARK TRUST WORKS TOWARDS CREATING PARK STEWARDS OF TOMORROW IS THROUGH GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. NATIONAL PARK TRUST PROVIDES TURN-KEY SERVICES THAT ENABLE BRANDS TO REALIZE THE BENEFITS OF A ROBUST GIVING PROGRAM - MINIMIZING ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES WHILE MAXIMIZING PROGRAM EFFICIENCY. GRANT MANAGEMENT DIRECTLY HELPS THE PARK TRUST ACHIEVE ITS MISSION. THE PARK TRUST CURRENTLY MANAGES SIX GRANT-MAKING PROGRAMS AND, TO DATE, HAS AWARDED MORE THAN $2.1 MILLION TO SCHOOLS AND NONPROFITS THAT CONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE OUTDOORS. YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS FROM EXPLORING THE CHANNEL ISLANDS 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?" THROUGH OUR VARIOUS BUDDY BISON YOUTH PROGRAMS, THE PARK TRUST PROVIDED EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION FOR 26,753 STUDENTS IN 458 SCHOOLS. OUR GOAL FOR ALL OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS IS TO INSPIRE A GENERATION OF FUTURE CONSERVATION LEADERS AND PARK ENTHUSIASTS. 1. THE 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 161 EXPERIENCES TO PARKS WORKING WITH 8,471 STUDENTS. 2. THE 2023 KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM HAS AWARDED 147 GRANTS TO 119 TITLE-I SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT OVER 8,071 STUDENTS IN GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12. 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 OR VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE. DURING THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR, NATIONAL PARK TRUST BROUGHT 10,211 STUDENTS TO THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AREAS: TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE (KS), CHANNEL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK (CA), MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (NJ), NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS (DC), INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK (IN), AND PRESIDENT'S PARK (DC). DURING THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR, THE BUDDY BISON YOUTH PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA - 1 SCHOOL, 68 STUDENTS ALABAMA - 1 SCHOOL, 120 STUDENTS ARKANSAS - 3 SCHOOLS, 87 STUDENTS ARIZONA - 7 SCHOOLS, 578 STUDENTS CALIFORNIA - 33 SCHOOLS, 2323 STUDENTS COLORADO - 4 SCHOOLS, 412 STUDENTS CONNECTICUT - 2 SCHOOLS, 172 STUDENTS DELAWARE - 5 SCHOOLS, 259 STUDENTS FLORIDA - 4 SCHOOLS, 360 STUDENTS GEORGIA - 5 SCHOOLS, 522 STUDENTS HAWAI'I - 5 SCHOOLS, 253 STUDENTS IOWA - 2 SCHOOLS, 140 STUDENTS IDAHO - 6 SCHOOLS, 440 STUDENTS ILLINOIS - 7 SCHOOLS, 316 STUDENTS INDIANA - 65 SCHOOLS, 2,240 STUDENTS KANSAS - 6 SCHOOLS, 343 STUDENTS KENTUCKY - 5 SCHOOLS, 423 STUDENTS LOUISIANA - 5 SCHOOLS, 321 STUDENTS MAINE - 1 SCHOOL, 123 STUDENTS MARYLAND - 25 SCHOOLS, 2,129 STUDENTS MASSACHUSETTS - 2 SCHOOLS, 138 STUDENTS MICHIGAN - 5 SCHOOLS, 812 STUDENTS MINNESOTA - 1 SCHOOL, 50 STUDENTS MISSISSIPPI - 1 SCHOOL, 90 STUDENTS MISSOURI - 17 SCHOOLS, 1,189 STUDENTS MONTANA - 4 SCHOOLS, 175 STUDENTS NEVADA - 8 SCHOOLS, 706 STUDENTS NEW JERSEY - 6 SCHOOLS, 522 STUDENTS NEW YORK - 6 SCHOOLS, 581 STUDENTS NORTH CAROLINA - 4 SCHOOLS, 274 STUDENTS NORTH DAKOTA - 1 SCHOOL, 150 STUDENTS PENNSYLVANIA - 7 SCHOOLS, 570 STUDENTS RHODE ISLAND - 1 SCHOOL, 27 STUDENTS SOUTH CAROLINA - 1 SCHOOL, 20 STUDENTS SOUTH DAKOTA - 1 SCHOOL, 35 STUDENTS TEXAS - 7 SCHOOLS, 536 STUDENTS VIRGINIA - 15 SCHOOLS, 817 STUDENTS WASHINGTON - 3 SCHOOLS, 169 STUDENTS WASHINGTON, DC - 170 SCHOOLS, 7,976 STUDENTS WISCONSIN - 3 SCHOOLS, 166 STUDENTS AMERICAN SAMOA - 3 SCHOOLS, 121 STUDENTS BELOW ARE SAMPLES OF BUDDY BISON SCHOOL EVENTS IMPLEMENTED BY THE PARK TRUST: ALASKA: 34 4TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM FINGER LAKE ELEMENTARY (WASILLA, AK) VISITED PALMER HAY FLATS STATE GAME REFUGE ON 5/10/2023. STUDENTS HIKED THE COTTONWOOD CREEK TRAIL AND EXPLORED THE WETLANDS AND TIDAL FLATS ALONG THE TRAIL. ALABAMA: ON 4/21/23 AND 5/2/23, 120 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM EAST LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL (TRINITY, AL) VISITED BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST. DURING THEIR TRIP, STUDENTS HIKED THE TRAILS AND MET WITH USFS STAFF TO LEARN ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE FERAL PIG POPULATION ON THE FOREST. ARKANSAS: 30 4TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM ARRIE GOFORTH ELEMENTARY (NORFORK, AR ) VISITED BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS IN THE OZARK NATIONAL FOREST ON 5/9/2023. STUDENTS MET WITH PARK EDUCATORS TO TAKE A GUIDED CAVE TOUR, WHICH FOCUSED ON BATS AND CAVE ECOSYSTEM HEALTH. AFTERWARD, STUDENTS BUILT BAT BOXES, WHICH WILL BE PLACED THROUGHOUT THE NATIONAL FOREST. ARIZONA: ON 5/4/23 AND 5/12/23 SADDLEBACK ELEMENTARY'S (MARICOPA, AZ) 140 3RD-GRADERS VISITED CHANDLER NATURE CENTER. STUDENTS TOOK PART IN A "CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SONORAN DESERT" PROGRAM. THEY SPLIT INTO THREE GROUPS AND ROTATED THROUGH MULTIPLE STATIONS IDENTIFYING PLANTS AND ANIMALS, DETERMINING HOW THEY CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND UNDERSTANDING THEIR ADAPTATIONS. |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONT'D | CALIFORNIA: ON 5/12/23 OLIVE ELEMENTARY (NOVATO, CA) 65 STUDENTS; 4TH & 5TH GRADE, STUDENTS TRAVELED TO FORT POINT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE FOR A DAY OF RANGER-LED ACTIVITIES. IN SMALL GROUPS, GUIDED BY A SHORT WORKSHEET AND THEIR CHAPERONES, STUDENTS WERE PROMPTED TO RECORD OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS THEY FOUND WHILE MOVING THROUGHOUT THE FORT. COLORADO: DURING THE WEEK OF 5/10/23, 61 7TH AND 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM PAONIA K-8 (PAONIA, CO) CAMPED OUT AT THE COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT. STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN HIKING ACTIVITIES FOCUSED ON THE LOCAL HISTORY OF THE COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT (NATIVE AMERICANS, HOMESTEADERS, NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT, CCC) AND GEOLOGICAL HISTORY AND THE ROCK CYCLE. STUDENTS ALSO MEET WITH PARK SERVICE EMPLOYEES FOR IN-CAMP ACTIVITIES. CONNECTICUT: ON 5/16 & 5/26 ELI WHITNEY ELEMENTARY (ENFIELD, CT) VISITED DINOSAUR STATE PARK WITH 120 STUDENTS IN 3RD GRADE. THE STUDENTS ROTATED THROUGH 3 DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. 1) FOSSILS EDUCATOR-LED CLASSROOM PROGRAM IN THE DISCOVERY ROOM, 2) EXHIBITS, BEGINNING WITH A SHORT EDUCATOR-LED TALK ABOUT THE FOSSILIZED TRACK AND THEN FREE EXPLORATION OF THE OTHER EXHIBITS, AND 3) NATURE TRAILS WITH YOUR VOLUNTEERS/PARK TRUST STAFF. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE ADAPTATIONS OF DINOSAURS AND THE PLANTS FROM THE TIME PERIOD. DELAWARE: ON 10/19/22 THE 5TH GRADE STUDENTS AT LEASURE ELEMENTARY ( NEWARK, DE) VISITED THE AQUATIC RESOURCES EDUCATION CENTER IN SMYRNA, DELAWARE. THERE, THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE VARIOUS DIFFERENT FISH SPECIES THAT CALL THE WATERWAYS IN THEIR AREA HOME. STUDENTS ALSO TESTED WATER SAMPLES FOR PH AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN TO DETERMINE THE WATER QUALITY. FLORIDA: 50 6TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE KEY LARGO SCHOOL (KEY LARGO, FL) SNORKELED AT FRED HOWARD BEACH, LOCATED NEAR TARPON SPRINGS (FL). STUDENTS ALSO COMPLETED A SCAVENGER HUNT, WRITTEN BY THEIR SCIENCE TEACHER, WHICH INCLUDED HAVING TO CORRECTLY ID PLANTS AND ANIMALS FOUND AT THE BEACH. GEORGIA: THE 3RD GRADERS FROM M. AGNES JONES ELEMENTARY (ATLANTA, GA) PARTICIPATED IN THE "GEORGIA ECOREGIONS" FIELD TRIP AT THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER ON 11/10/22. DURING THE PROGRAM, STUDENTS HIKED, INVESTIGATED SOIL SAMPLES FROM ACROSS GEORGIA, AND EXPLORED ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS. IN ADDITION, STUDENTS WERE ABLE TO EXPLORE THE INDOOR EXHIBITS, VIEW THE OUTDOOR ANIMAL ENCLOSURES, AND MEET A REPTILE IN SMALL GROUPS. HAWAI'I: 57 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM CHIEFESS KAPI'OLANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (HILO, HI) VISITED HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ON 5/23/23. THE TRIP FOCUSED ON EXAMINING BOTH HAWAIIAN LEGENDS AND VOLCANOLOGY. DURING THE TRIP, STUDENTS MET WITH HVNP RANGERS AND HAWAI'I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGISTS TO LEARN ABOUT THE RECENT AND ONGOING ERUPTIONS. IN ADDITION, THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE LEGENDS OF PELE AND HOW THEY CONNECT TO THE CURRENT ERUPTIONS. IOWA: THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS FROM CLIVE LEARNING ACADEMY (WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA) VISITED JESTER PARK ON 1/31/23 TO EXAMINE A PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM AND COMPARE IT TO SHENANDOAH NP WHICH THEY VISITED VIRTUALLY EARLIER IN THE YEAR. THEY WORKED IN SMALL GROUPS AS THEY ROTATED THROUGH THE DAY'S THREE ACTIVITIES: A HIKE/SNOWSHOE THROUGH THE WOODS, A LAKE ECOLOGY LESSON AND ANIMAL DISCUSSION, AND AN OWL PELLET DISSECTION AND ROCK CLIMBING WALL. IDAHO: 84 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM RULON ELLIS ELEMENTARY VISITED CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT & PRESERVE ON 5/18/2023. STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN A PARK RANGER-LED PROGRAM AND LEARNED ABOUT THE AREA'S UNIQUE GEOLOGY. THEY ALSO INVESTIGATED HOW ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY BATS, INTERACT WITH THESE GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS. ILLINOIS: ON 10/14/22 THE FOURTH-GRADERS AT GOETHE ELEMENTARY (CHICAGO, IL) VISITED LAKE KATHERINE NATURE CENTER TO LEARN ALL ABOUT BIRDS OF PREY. THEY DISCUSSED RAPTOR ADAPTATIONS AND TOOK A HIKE TO OBSERVE RAPTOR HABITAT. LASTLY, THEY DISSECTED OWL PELLETS TO INVESTIGATE WHAT TYPES OF ANIMALS OWLS EAT. INDIANA: ON 5/8/23 THE 3RD GRADERS AT FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (WHITING, IN) VISITED INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK. THEY STARTED AT CHELLBERG FARM TO LEARN ABOUT FARMING HISTORY IN NORTHERN INDIANA. THE HIKE CONCLUDED AT THE BAILLY HOMESTEAD WHERE STUDENTS ENJOYED SOME FREE TIME TO RUN AROUND. THEN, STUDENTS COMPLETED THE DUNES SUCCESSION HIKE AT WEST BEACH. KANSAS: ON 4/14/23, BUCKNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (WICHITA, KS) 4TH GRADE STUDENTS SPENT THE DAY AT EXPLORATION PLACE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM. THEY EXPLORED THE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS, VIEWED A LIVE SCIENCE DINOSAUR DEMONSTRATION, AND WATCHED A FILM ABOUT KANSAS IN THE DOME THEATER. KENTUCKY: 100 4TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM ALVATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ALVATON, KY) VISITED MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK ON 3/1/2023. STUDENTS ENJOYED A GUIDED TOUR OF THE CAVE AND PARTICIPATED IN A LESSON ABOUT BAT'S ROLE IN THE CAVE ECOSYSTEM. LOUISIANA: ON 11/10/22 AND 11/17/22, FOUR-GRADE STUDENTS FROM AUDUBON CHARTER (NEW ORLEANS, LA) VISITED THE BARATARIA PRESERVE WITHIN JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK TO LEARN ABOUT THE PLANTS AND ANIMALS THAT CALL THE PRESERVE HOME. MAINE: DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE 2023 THE 123 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE FAIRMOUNT SCHOOL (BANGOR, ME) VISITED ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TO HIKE THE GORHAM MOUNTAIN TRAIL. DURING THE HIKE, STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT LOCAL PLANTS AND WILDLIFE, AND THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIKING. MARYLAND: ON 3/21/23, 400 STUDENTS FROM KIPP DC LEAD ACADEMY (WASHINGTON, DC) VISITED WATKINS REGIONAL PARK. 400 STUDENTS IN 1ST-4TH GRADE TOOK PART IN THREE DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AT THE PARK. FIRST, THEY WENT INSIDE THE NATURE CENTER WHERE NATURALISTS INTRODUCED THEM TO SEVERAL LIVE ANIMAL AMBASSADORS. NEXT, STUDENTS TOOK A SHORT HIKE TO THE WATKINS FARM TO MEET THE FARM ANIMALS. FINALLY, THEY ENJOYED FREE PLAY TIME AND A PICNIC LUNCH AT THE WIZARD OF OZ-THEMED PLAYGROUND. MASSACHUSETTS: 38 4TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM MORSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (CAMBRIDGE, MA) PARTICIPATED IN THE "WORKING ON THE LINE" PROGRAM AT THE TSONGA INDUSTRIAL HISTORY CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UMASS LOWELL AND THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ON 4/26/2023. STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE MILLING HISTORY OF THE REGION AND HOW THIS HISTORY HAS SHAPED MODERN WORKERS RIGHTS. MICHIGAN: HORIZONS ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL (CALUMET, MI) TOOK 40 9TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS TO COPPER HARBOR TOWNSHIP PARK ON 6/9/23. STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT LOCAL GEOLOGY, PLANT LIFE, AND ANIMAL LIFE FROM THEIR TEACHERS AND THE INFORMATIONAL DISPLAYS.STUDENTS ALSO RECEIVED LESSONS IN MOUNTAIN BIKING ON COPPER HARBOR'S EXCELLENT TRAIL SYSTEM AND KAYAKING IN THE HARBOR. IN ADDITION, THEY LEARNED ABOUT ISSUES INVOLVING INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AND HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF THEM. MINNESOTA: ON 5/2/23, FOURTH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM BRUCE F VENTO ELEMENTARY (ST. PAUL, MN) TOOK PART IN THE "BIG RIVER JOURNEY" ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA. STUDENTS VIEWED AND LEARNED ABOUT THE RIVER THROUGH ONBOARD EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES WHILE CRUISING ON A MODERN PADELFORD RIVERBOAT. MISSISSIPPI: ON 5/9 AND 5/10/23, THE 4TH GRADERS AT POPP'S FERRY ELEMENTARY (BILOXI, MS) VISITED THE MARINE EDUCATION CENTER FOR A COASTAL EXPLORER FIELD TRIP. BEGINNING AT THE CENTER'S STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY AT THE GULF COAST RESEARCH LABORATORY, STUDENTS PREPARED FOR A DAY FULL OF INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES LEARNING ABOUT MARINE LIFE, COASTAL BAYOUS, AND TIDAL MARSHES. MISSOURI: ON 11/9/22 THE 4TH GRADERS FROM MULLANPHY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ST. LOUIS, MO) TOOK PART IN THE "EVERY KIDS OUTDOORS" EXPERIENCE AT GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK. DURING THE PROGRAM, STUDENTS TOURED THE MUSEUM UNDER THE ARCH TO DISCOVER ST. LOUIS HISTORY AND RODE THE TRAM UP THE ARCH. MONTANA: THE KINDERGARTEN AND 2ND GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL (HOT SPRINGS, MT) GOT A VISIT FROM SMOKEY BEAR ON 5/1/23. SMOKEY AND A STAFF MEMBER FROM THE FIRE SAFETY DEPARTMENT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES SPOKE WITH THE STUDENTS ABOUT FIRE SAFETY IN THEIR LOCAL FORESTS. NEVADA: ON 2/24/23 THE 5TH GRADERS FROM HOLLINGSWORTH ELEMENTARY (LAS VEGAS, NV) JOINED VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK RANGERS FOR A DAY OF FUN IN THE DESERT. STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN TWO DIFFERENT HIKES, LOOKED FOR FOSSILIZED DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS, EXAMINED PETROGLYPHS, AND ENJOYED A PICNIC. NEW JERSEY: ON 6/1/23, THE 5TH GRADERS AT RICHMOND AVENUE SCHOOL (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) WON 3RD PLACE IN THIS YEAR'S CARBON REDUCTION CONTEST. THEY CHOSE TO USE THEIR AWARD FOR A FUN FILLED FIELD TRIP TO ESTELL MANOR PARK. AT THE PARK, STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN A NATURALIST-LED OWL PELLET DISSECTION, HIKE, AND FREE PLAY IN THE FIELD. NEW YORK: ON 10/7/22 AND 10/28/22, 3RD GRADERS FROM PS 119 (NEW YORK, NEW YORK) VISITED BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FOR A DAY OF EXPLORATION AND ENGINEERING. BB PARK CONSERVANCY STAFF BEGAN BY TEACHING STUDENTS BASIC BRIDGE ENGINEERING CONCEPTS. NEXT, THEY TOOK A WALK TO THE FIRST TOWER OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE WHERE THEY PRACTICED DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING THEIR OWN BRIDGES IN TEAMS. |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONT'D | NORTH CAROLINA: ON 3/30/23, FIRST-GRADE STUDENTS FROM DANA ELEMENTARY (HENDERSONVILLE, NC) VISITED THE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NATURE CENTER IN ASHEVILLE, NC THIS SPRING. WHEN THEY ARRIVED, NATURE CENTER STAFF WELCOMED THEM AND HANDED EACH CHAPERONE GROUP ANIMAL-THEMED SCAVENGER HUNTS TO USE WHILE WALKING THE TRAILS AND LOOKING AT THE ANIMAL EXHIBITS. STUDENTS ESPECIALLY LOVED GETTING TO SEE THE BLACK BEAR, WOLVES, AND RIVER OTTERS. NORTH DAKOTA: ON MAY 18, 2023, 150 KINDERGARTEN AND 1ST-GRADE STUDENTS FROM JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY (VALLEY CITY, ND) VISITED THE BALDHILL DAM AT LAKE ASHTABULA. STUDENTS WORKED WITH USACE STAFF MEMBERS TO PLANT TREES AND PARTICIPATED IN A LESSON ABOUT HOW THE DAM EFFECTS FISH IN THE LAKE. PENNSYLVANIA: ON 6/5 AND 6/6, THE 4TH GRADERS AT SOLIS-COHEN ELEMENTARY (PHILADELPHIA, PA) VISITED PENNYPACK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER FOR A GEOCACHING 101 PROGRAM. STUDENTS LEARNED WHAT GEOCACHING IS, HOW TO USE A GPS UNIT, AND WERE SENT OUT ON THE TRAILS TO TEST THEIR SKILLS AND FIND THEIR OWN GEOCACHES. RHODE ISLAND: 31 4TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM EMMA G. WHITEKNACT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (EAST PROVIDENCE, RI) VISITED BLITHEWOLD HISTORIC MANSION, GARDENS, & ARBORETUM ON 5/26/2023. STUDENTS TOURED THE HISTORIC HOME, WALKED THROUGH THE FORMAL GARDENS, AND IDENTIFIED TREES IN THE ARBORETUM. SOUTH CAROLINA: ON MAY 10TH, 2023, 20 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE ALFRED E. RUSH ACADEMY (QUINBY, SC) VISITED LYNCHES RIVER COUNTY PARK FOR A HIKE AND TO PARTICIPATE IN A GEOLOGY PROGRAM, THAT FOCUSED ON FOSSIL FORMATION. SOUTH DAKOTA: IN MAY 2023, 35 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS AND FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA CHAPTER OFFICERS FROM THE BRIDGEWATER - EMERY SCHOOL (EMERY, SD) VISITED LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK, LOCATED IN YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA. ON THIS TRIP, STUDENTS TOURED THE STATE PARK, VISITED THE GAVIN'S POINT FISH HATCHERY, AND PARTICIPATED IN RECREATIONAL FISHING ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL FFA MEMBERS. TEXAS: ON 10/28/22, 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM THE EHRHART SCHOOL (BEAUMONT, TX) BEGAN THEIR TRIP AT SAM HOUSTON PARK TO TOUR THE HERITAGE SOCIETY'S HISTORIC BUILDINGS. SPANNING OVER 100 YEARS OF TEXAS HISTORY, STUDENTS TOURED EACH STRUCTURE AND LEARNED ABOUT ITS CONNECTION TO TEXAS' DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORY. AFTER A PICNIC LUNCH, STUDENTS THEN BOARDED THE BUSES AND MOVED TO THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES. VIRGINIA: ON 4/14/23, 2ND-GRADE STUDENTS FROM DREW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISITED THE NATIONAL COLONIAL FARM AT PISCATAWAY PARK. AS A TEAM OF TIME-TRAVELING ECO-EXPLORERS, STUDENTS GRAPPLED WITH THE ETHICAL QUESTION OF WHETHER OR NOT THE BENEFITS OF MODERN INVENTIONS ARE WORTH THE RISKS (WHILE GAINING VALUABLE CONTENT KNOWLEDGE IN SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE!). THE STUDENTS EXPLORED SEVERAL DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON THE NATIONAL COLONIAL FARM. AT EACH STATION, THEY LEARNED SOMETHING ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED DURING COLONIAL TIMES AND WHAT THEIR DAILY LIVES WERE LIKE. WASHINGTON: THE 50 3RD-5TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM WATERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (WATERVILLE, WA) PARTICIPATED IN THE USACE EARTH DAY PROGRAM AT THE CHEF JOSEPH DAM IN BRIDGEPORT, WA. STUDENTS ROTATED THROUGH STATIONS THAT INCLUDED ACTIVITIES ABOUT THE SALMON HATCHERY, NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE, FOREST HEALTH, WEED CONTROL, THE SHRUB-STEPPE HABITAT, FIRE SUPPRESSION, AND ANIMAL HABITAT. WASHINGTON, DC: 60 KIMBALL ELEMENTARY 1ST-GRADERS (WASHINGTON, DC) VISITED THE AQUATIC RESOURCES EDUCATION CENTER IN ANACOSTIA PARK (WASHINGTON, DC) ON 4/7/23. THEY SPENT TIME INSIDE THE AREC LOOKING AT THE LIVE ANIMAL EXHIBITS AND LEARNING ABOUT THE SPECIES THAT LIVE IN THE ANACOSTIA AND POTOMAC RIVERS. NEXT, THEY WENT OUTSIDE FOR A FUN, CARNIVAL-STYLE GAME TO LEARN HOW TO CAST WITH FISHING POLES. FINALLY, ANACOSTIA WATERSHED SOCIETY STAFF TAUGHT STUDENTS ABOUT RIVER RESTORATION EFFORTS AND LED THEM THROUGH A HANDS-ON SEED BALL ACTIVITY PLANTING WILD RICE IN THE RIVER. WISCONSIN: 81 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM WONEWOC-CENTER JUNIOR HIGH (WONEWOC, WI) WENT TO MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK ON MAY 17TH, 2023 TO KAYAK ON THE LAKE AND TO PARTICIPATE IN AQUATIC INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL. AMERICAN SAMOA: 15 KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS FROM MATATULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PAGO PAGO, AS) EXPLORED LIONS PARK IN APRIL OF 2023. STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE LOCAL WILDLIFE AND PARTICIPATED IN A TRASH PICK-UP TO HELP PROTECT THE NATIVE ANIMAL'S HABITAT. 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. THE 13TH ANNUAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY WAS CELEBRATED ON MAY 20, 2023, WITH HUNDREDS OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE NATIONWIDE. THE IMPACT WAS MEASURED THIS YEAR BY DIGITAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL ANALYTICS, WHICH SHOWED MORE THAN 45 MILLION PEOPLE WERE REACHED THROUGH KIDS TO PARKS DAY SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE MESSAGING. TO DEEPEN KIDS TO PARKS DAY ENGAGEMENT, NATIONAL PARK TRUST ENCOURAGED CITIES, TOWNS, PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS TO PROCLAIM MAY 20, 2023, AS NATIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY, RESULTING IN HUNDREDS OF PROCLAMATIONS NATIONWIDE. MILITARY FAMILY PROGRAMS NATIONAL PARK TRUST SUPPORTS MILITARY COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING ACTIVELY SERVING MILITARY AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES, MILITARY FAMILY SURVIVORS, VETERANS, CAREGIVERS AND OTHERS. WE PROVIDE THESE DEDICATED SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH MEMORABLE OUTDOOR PARK EXPERIENCES IN A VARIETY OF PUBLIC PARKS, LANDS, AND WATERS NATIONWIDE. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. FOREST SERVICE, TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS), OUR MILITARY KIDS (OMK), PROJECT HEALING WATERS, NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION, JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL AND OTHERS, WE ARE PROVIDING MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL PARK EXPERIENCES FOR NEARLY 300 MILITARY-CONNECTED FAMILIES ANNUALLY. 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. COLLEGE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM THE NATIONAL PARK TRUST COLLEGE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM PROVIDES COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH THE RESOURCES TO LEAD INITIATIVES ON THEIR CAMPUSES THAT INCREASE OUTDOOR RECREATION PARTICIPATION AND STEWARDSHIP WITHIN THEIR CAMPUS COMMUNITIES WHILE ALSO INCREASING ACCESS AND AWARENESS OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR PLACES. EACH AMBASSADOR PAIR AT THESE SCHOOLS WORK TO LEVERAGE SCHOOL ASSETS AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A SERIES OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE THEIR CAMPUS COMMUNITY IN OUTDOOR RECREATION. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A LOCAL PARK OUTING, A STEWARDSHIP EVENT, A FISHING-THEMED OUTING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH. FY23 WAS THE FULL LAUNCH YEAR OF THE PROGRAM WITH 17 AMBASSADORS & NINE PARTICIPATING COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES WHICH RESULTED IN 27 PARK OUTINGS (9 LOCAL PARK OUTINGS, 9 STEWARDSHIP FOCUSED OUTINGS, 9 FISHING OUTINGS) AND 900 STUDENTS ENGAGED. 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 IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS 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 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. THE LAND TRUST DID THE ANNUAL MONITORING OF THE EASEMENT IN FEBRUARY 2022, WITH NO ISSUES OR PROBLEMS FOUND. MICHIGAN: |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONT'D | NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (2021-PRESENT) THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONTACTED NATIONAL PARK TRUST IN 2021, SEEKING OUR HELP TO ACQUIRE A PARCEL OF LAND. THE 20 ACRES OF LAND OVER WHICH THE TRAIL RAN SOLD ON THE OPEN MARKET IN EARLY 2021. THE PREVIOUS LANDOWNERS ALLOWED THE TRAIL TO CROSS THEIR PROPERTY UNDER A "HANDSHAKE" AGREEMENT. WITHOUT A FORMAL EASEMENT, THE NEW LANDOWNER WAS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ALLOW THE TRAIL ACROSS HIS LAND. HE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE NPS TO USE HIS LAND FOR THE TRAIL, SO THE SEGMENT IS CLOSED. THE PARK TRUST NEGOTIATED WITH THE NEW OWNER TO SELL A 3-ACRE PORTION OF HIS PROPERTY WITH THE SECTION OF TRAIL TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SO THE TRAIL COULD BE OPEN AGAIN. THE PARK TRUST IS HOLDING THE PROPERTY UNTIL THE NPS COMPLETES ITS PROCESS AND IS ABLE TO BUY THE PROPERTY FROM THE PARK TRUST. VIRGINIA APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (2022-PRESENT) THE PARK TRUST WORKED WITH THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY AND THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO PROTECT 128 ACRES ALONG THE AT. NPS WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO TAKE TITLE TO THE PROPERTY WITHIN A TIME FRAME ACCEPTABLE TO THE OWNER, SO THE PARK TRUST BOUGHT THE PROPERTY AND IS HOLDING THE TITLE UNTIL NPS IS ABLE TO BUY IT 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.THE PARK TRUST BRIEFED THE NEWLY ASSIGNED NPS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST ON THE PROJECT IN 2022 AND DISCUSSED STRATEGIES FOR PROJECT COMPLETION. THE PROJECT IS ONGOING. APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (2022-PRESENT) IN NOVEMBER 2022, THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND U.S. FOREST SERVICE CONTACTED US ABOUT PURCHASING LAND FOR THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL NEAR TROUTVILLE, VA. THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO BUY TWO PARCELS OF LAND, EACH ADJACENT TO THE AT AND GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. ONE PARCEL WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE NPS SECTION OF THE AT AND THE OTHER PARCEL WOULD BE ADDED TO THE GEORGE WASHINGTON - THOMAS JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST.THE SAME PERSON OWNED OTHER PROPERTIES, BUT WANTED TO MAKE ONE SALE. THE PARK TRUST AGREED TO MAKE THE SINGLE PURCHASE AND MAKE THE SALES TO THE NPS AND USFS. THE PROJECT IS ONGOING. DETAILED LAND SURVEY WORK IS COMPLETE, TITLE RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE, AND THE PARK TRUST WILL BE CONTRACTING WITH AN APPRAISER FOR THE PROPERTY. THE PROJECT WILL FINISH IN EARLY 2024. 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 19 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 THE FIRST PHASE; 9 PARCELS IN LAKE COUNTY. THOUGH THE COUNTY IS TRANSFERRING THE LAND WITHOUT COST, IT WAS TREATED AS A TAX SALE. THE ATTORNEY HAS TAX DEEDS FOR 5 OF THE PARCELS AND HAS DONE A QUIET TITLE ON THEM. THE ATTORNEY ACQUIRED TAX DEEDS FOR THE NEXT 4 IN NOVEMBER 2022 AND BEGAN A QUIET TITLE ACTION IN 2023; THEY ARE FINISHED, BUT A MISSED STEP IN THE LEGAL PROCESS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE THEY CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NPS. THE SECOND PHASE OF 10 PARCELS SHOULD BEGIN IN EARLY 2024. WHEN THAT PHASE IS FINISHED, THOSE PARCELS WILL ALSO COMPLETE THE ACQUISITION OF THE NPS CONTRIBUTION TO THE MARQUETTE GREENWAY. THE PROJECT 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 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 REMOVE IT FROM THE DEED FORMALLY. THE STATE OF VERMONT HAS PASSED LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER TO THE NPS. THE PROJECTS ARE ONGOING. THE PARK TRUST BRIEFED THE NEWLY ASSIGNED NPS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST ON THE PROJECT IN 2022. 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 THE OWNER 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. THE PARK TRUST BRIEFED THE NEWLY ASSIGNED NPS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST ON THE PROJECT IN 2022. 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 FIVE PROPERTIES, TOTALING ABOUT 100 ACRES, ACTUALLY OWNED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BUT CANNOT BE MANAGED BY OR INCLUDED IN PECOS NHP. 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 ON NEEDED CHANGES TO THE PARK BOUNDARY. THE NPS CONTINUES TO WORK ON THIS LONG-TERM PROJECT. THE PARK TRUST CONNECTED THE NPS WITH SENATOR HEINRICH'S OFFICE AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 2022 TO BRIEF THE SENATOR ON ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE PARK BOUNDARY. THE NPS HAS FUNDS TO BUY ANOTHER 198 ACRES OF UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE PARK; THE NPS IS HOPING TO GET A MINOR BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT TO INCLUDE IT. AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT, THE PARK TRUST IS PERFORMING THE DUE DILIGENCE SO NPS CAN BUY IT AS SOON AS THE BOUNDARY IS CHANGED TO INCLUDE IT. THE PARK TRUST IS ASSISTING WITH THE ACQUISITION OF TWO PRIVATE PROPERTIES; ONE IS WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PARK, AND THE OTHER JUST OUTSIDE, BUT SUBJECT TO A BOUNDARY CHANGE TO BRING IT INTO THE PARK. THE PARK TRUST HAS CONTRACTED APPRAISERS AS PART OF THE DUE DILIGENCE AND IS WILLING TO PROVIDE OTHER DUE DILIGENCE AS NEEDED. THE PROJECT IS ONGOING. 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 |
| PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONT'D | AVULSION (COMMON LAW WHEN A RIVER CHANGES COURSE) - TWO DIFFERENT MECHANISMS. THE PARK TRUST DID ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND SUPPLIED THEIR FINDINGS TO NPS IN DECEMBER 2022. NPS AGREES WITH THE ANALYSIS AND IS WORKING TO SURVEY THE ACREAGE FOR INCLUSION IN THE PARK AS AN ACCRETION FROM THE CHANGE IN THE RIVERBED. KANSAS FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (2020-PRESENT) THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONTACTED THE NATIONAL PARK TRUST IN 2020 SEEKING HELP TO ACQUIRE A PARCEL OF LAND ADJACENT TO THE PARK. THE BUILDING WILL BE CONVERTED INTO THE PARK MAINTENANCE OFFICE AND SHOP. THE PROPERTY OWNER WANTED TO SELL THE PROPERTY BEFORE THE NPS WAS ABLE TO BUY IT, SO THE PARK TRUST BOUGHT AND IS HOLDING AND MAINTAINING THE PROPERTY. IT INCLUDED CONTRACTING THE APPRAISAL, TITLE RESEARCH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS TO ENSURE ALL MET NPS STANDARDS. FOR ACQUISITION. THE PARK TRUST ALSO ADMINISTERS A LEASE TO A SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT RETAIL OUTLET AND IS NEGOTIATING MODIFICATIONS THAT WILL MEET NPS AND DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTING THE LEASE SO THE PROPERTY CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO NPS. IN 2022, THE PARK TRUST WAS ABLE TO REACH A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON THE LEASE WORDING AND IS AWAITING FINAL APPROVAL BY ATTORNEYS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SO THAT NPS CAN TAKE POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY IN 2023. AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT, THE PARK TRUST IS WORKING ON FINALIZING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SALE/TRANSFER OF THE PROPERTY TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BEFORE THE END OF 2023. COLORADO YUCCA HOUSE NATIONAL MONUMENT (2021-2023) THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REGIONAL OFFICE IN DENVER, COLORADO, CONTACTED NATIONAL PARK SEEKING HELP TO ACQUIRE 160 ACRES FOR THE YUCCA HOUSE NATIONAL MONUMENT. A LOCAL LANDOWNER WANTS TO DONATE THE PROPERTY TO THE PARK, WHICH IS NOW 33 ACRES IN AREA. THE NPS COULD NOT ACCEPT THE PROPERTY BECAUSE IT WAS OUTSIDE THE LEGAL BOUNDARY OF THE PARK. OVER SEVERAL YEARS, WORK WENT FORWARD AND THE PARK BOUNDARY CHANGED; IN JANUARY 2021, CONGRESS PASSED A LAW CHANGING THE BOUNDARY TO INCLUDE 160 ACRES. DURING THE PROCESS, NPS DISCOVERED THE PROPERTY BOUNDARY WITH THE ADJACENT LANDOWNER WAS NOT ACCURATE. FOR THEM TO ACCEPT THE PROPERTY, IT WAS NECESSARY TO DO A SURVEY TO CORRECT THE PROPERTY LINES. OWNERS ON BOTH SIDES WOULD HAVE TO AGREE TO THE CHANGE. THE NPS ASKED THE PARK TRUST TO CONTRACT FOR THE SURVEY. IT WOULD BE LESS COMPLICATED AND MUCH FASTER THAN IF NPS WERE TO DO IT AND SAVE THE OWNER THE BURDEN OF ARRANGING IT. THE PARK TRUST ASSISTED NPS IN WRITING A BOUNDARY AGREEMENT FOR THE OWNERS. THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED TO ALLOW THE SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED, AND THE PARK TRUST HAS ENGAGED A SURVEYOR WHO, AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT, IS WORKING ON COMPLETING THE SURVEY. TEXAS IN MAY 2022, A LANDOWNER WITH PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK QUITCLAIMED A 0.374-ACRE PROPERTY TO THE PARK TRUST. THE NARROW STRIP OF PROPERTY INCLUDES THE BANK OF A HISTORIC IRRIGATION CANAL, WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. THE PARK TRUST IS WORKING TO TRANSFER THE PROPERTY TO THE NPS, AND, AFTER CONTACT WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER, FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PROPERTIES WITHIN THE PARK THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN SELLING TO NPS. THE PARK TRUST IS ASSISTING, AND THE PROJECT IS ONGOING. CONNECTICUT THE PARK TRUST WAS ABLE TO BREAK AN IMPASSE IN NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND A LANDOWNER AT COLTSVILLE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. THE PARK WAS AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS, BUT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS BEING MET. ONE OF THOSE WAS AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NPS AND THE LANDOWNER FOR THE PARK TO UTILIZE A PORTION OF THE PARK FOR ITS ADMINISTRATIVE AND VISITOR SERVICE PROGRAMS. THE PARK TRUST WAS ABLE TO WORK WITH THE NPS AND OWNER TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN AND REFRESH NEGOTIATIONS, RESULTING IN AN AGREEMENT. AFTER THE NPS FINISHES THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS, THE PARK CAN BE AUTHORIZED AND OPEN TO VISITORS, IN ABOUT 1 YEAR. NORTH CAROLINA IN MARCH 2023, THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ASKED THE PARK TRUST IF THEY COULD HELP WITH THE ACQUISITION OF 2 HOUSES ALONG THE BEACH IN RODANTHE, NC, AT CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE. THE HOUSES WERE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK, AND BEACH EROSION OVER THE YEARS EXPOSED THE HOUSES TO THE EFFECT OF DIRECT WAVE ACTION ON THE PROPERTY AND HOUSES. SIMILAR HOUSES SO EXPOSED HAD THEIR FOUNDATIONS UNDERCUT AND COLLAPSED ONTO THE BEACH. THE NPS WAS INTERESTED IN AVOIDING A SIMILAR OCCURRENCE WITH THE TWO HOUSES AND WANTED TO BUY AND REMOVE THEM, TO AVOID THEIR EVENTUAL COLLAPSE AND SCATTERED DEBRIS ALONG THE BEACH. THE PARK TRUST WAS ABLE TO CONTRACT FOR AND HAVE AN APPRAISAL DONE IN A MUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAN THE NPS. AS A RESULT THE NPS WAS ABLE TO BUY THE HOUSES IN LESS THAN HALF THE TIME THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WITHOUT HELP. THE HOUSES WILL BE ABLE TO BE REMOVED BEFORE THE WINTER STORM SEASON. OHIO THE PARK TRUST IS HELPING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ACQUIRE 22 ACRES AT THE SOUTH END OF CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. THE PROPERTY IS UNDEVELOPED AND WOULD BECOME GREENSPACE CONTIGUOUS WITH SUMMIT COUNTY PARKS AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL PARK. THE PARK TRUST IS ASSISTING IN ORDER TO SPEED THE PROCESS. THE PARK TRUST WILL FINISH THE DUE DILIGENCE, PURCHASE THE PROPERTY, AND SELL IT TO THE NPS. THE PROJECT IS ONGOING. 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, TWITTER, AND LINKEDIN) 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 2023, THE AWARD RECIPIENT WAS CONGRESSWOMAN DIANA DEGETTE FROM COLORADO. THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO CONGRESSWOMAN DEGETTE AT AN IN-PERSON EVENT ON JUNE 13, 2023, IN WASHINGTON, DC. 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 2023, THE AWARD RECIPIENT WAS ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FILM DIRECTOR JIMMY CHIN. THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO JIMMY CHIN AT AN IN-PERSON EVENT ON APRIL 14, 2023, IN WASHINGTON, DC. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2 | BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS STEPHEN SCHULER AND KEVIN SETH HAVE A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. |
| 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 FOLLOWED BY REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. 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 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AS WELL AS REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION FOR OTHER SENIOR STAFF WHEN REQUESTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. RECOMMENDED COMPENSATION IS COMMUNICATED TO THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. |
| 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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