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Program

ParkVentures

Yosemite National Park
iStock / kapulya

Introduction

Engaging historically excluded communities through outdoor recreation in national parks.

Addressing obstacles that hinder communities from having full and enduring connections to parks, the National Park Foundation’s (NPF) ParkVentures program supports equity-focused outdoor leaders and organizations by providing grants for projects and activities that help people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks.

ParkVentures supports projects that focus on representation, accessibility, and interpretation – all things that leaders in outdoor recreation and equity spaces identify as barriers for communities that have been historically excluded from parks and may not feel a sense of belonging in the outdoors.

Program Stories

Learn more about NPF's ParkVentures program and the projects it funds in parks.

  • A group poses for a group photo. In the center, a few hold up a brown banner that reads "Latino Outdoors"
    Latino Leaders Create Community Outdoors
    The founder of Latino Outdoors Boston is bringing her community together in national parks - embracing "cultura y familia” outdoors.
  • A group of people, and one pug, pose for a photo in Rock Creek Park
    Finding Pride Outside
    How the LGBTQ community is overcoming barriers, finding joy, sharing history, and creating space outdoors.
  • Jon Knox poses for a photo with a fish he caught.
    "I Was Hooked"
    Disabled veterans find healing and community through fly fishing at Shenandoah National Park.
Two people fly fish along a stony river

By the Numbers

  • 120
    Projects Funded
    Since the 2021 launch of NPF’s ParkVentures program, NPF has supported more than 120 projects to help create life-long relationships with the outdoors.
  • $3.4
    Million
    Since the launch of the program in 2021, NPF’s ParkVentures program has provided over $3.4 million in support of projects across more than 60 national park sites.

Program Highlights

A group of people and a park ranger pose for a photo
Indigenous Families Day at Petroglyph

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps crews worked on critical projects that support the protection of the sacred resources within Petroglyph National Monument. Many of the crew members are from local Pueblos or Tribes and have deep connections to the resources located within the monument, yet for some, working on the crew was their first opportunity to visit the monument and experience these connections. Indigenous Families Day brought together Pueblo and Tribal crew members and their families, along with Pueblo and Tribal families and Elders from across the region for a special day of prayer, healing, and reflection honoring their ancestral and ongoing connections to the lands within the monument.

A group of people in climbing gear pose for a photo
Climbing Over Barriers at Joshua Tree

Outdoor Outreach’s Climbing Over Barriers program increases access to, awareness of, and stewardship of Joshua Tree National Park through rock climbing. Outdoor Outreach engages youth from historically underrepresented communities, who face significant barriers to accessing national parks. Through overnight outings to the park, Outdoor Outreach promotes access and inclusion in outdoor spaces, meaningful connection with positive peers and mentors, and a culturally relevant, joyful introduction to Joshua Tree National Park.

Gravel trail cuts through a group of ebony trees
Junior Birder Experience at Palo Alto Battlefield

Pajaritos was an immersive birding experience for Latinx youth local to Brownsville, Texas, their families and anyone in the community. The urban birding program brought multigenerational family units together to share meaningful experiences by exposing participants of all ages to the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors, and learning a new low-cost skill, while fostering inclusivity in birding.

Program Updates

Partners

Thank You

ParkVentures is made possible thanks to funding from founding partner Nature Valley, and Outdoor Exploration initiative premier partner Subaru of America and supporting partners Niantic, Sun Outdoors, Winnebago and Winnebago Industries Foundation. Additional support is provided by Apple, American Airlines, EVOLVE Plant-Based Protein, method, Kohl’s, and Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold.