National Parks Conservation Association

05/29/2026

Don't mind me, I'll just be reading every sign at the national park site. The shortest 5 hours of my life in America's best classrooms.

05/28/2026

Looking for more ways to get involved in national park protection? Our regional Young Leaders Councils are looking for new members! We're currently accepting applications in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago and the Mid-Atlantic region. Learn more and apply today at the link in our bio!

Our councils are made up of advocates ages 18-34 who want to make a difference in their local communities. The deadline to apply is June 16! Share with a great candidate or apply here: https://bit.ly/4dRTVRi

05/28/2026

Critically underfunded parks have increasingly come to rely on fee revenue. By forcing the Park Service to divert this revenue to primarily DC-based projects, the administration is taking away a critical lifeline from national parks across the country.

The administration is spending at least $67 million worth of fees paid by visitors to national parks on fixing D.C. fountains and the Reflecting Pool.

05/27/2026

1️⃣ Managed access systems (reservations, timed entry) are no more at Arches, Mount Rainier and Yosemite. Expect to encounter longer lines and traffic. Pack extra snacks and plan for the additional time—better yet, be part of the solution by using shuttles or bikes where available.
2️⃣ 25% staffing cuts mean that park staff is stretched thin. While there has been an influx of seasonal hires, they won’t be here after busy season. Be kind to staff and tell them how much their work means to you!
3️⃣ Adventure responsibly and leave no trace! Our parks are at a crossroads: access to parks now and at all costs or enjoyment of them forever based on conservation.

🌲 Find more tips from NPCA experts: https://bit.ly/4dpOE39

05/26/2026

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the national advocate for historic places, released their annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

The national park sites, and every site on the list, are united in how they illuminate stories of remarkable individuals who fought to bring our country closer to its founding aspiration of equality for all. These historic places, and the inspiring stories they preserve, are necessary so that America may learn from its past in the hopes of building a more perfect union.

This year, in honor of the America's 250th anniversary, each site featured on the list will also receive a one-time grant of $25,000 from the National Trust. Find out what other sites are on the list: https://bit.ly/4abBUMx

05/25/2026

Commemorating Memorial Day

📍 The Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, managed by the National Park Service, includes Arlington National Cemetery, managed by U.S. Department of the Army.

05/24/2026

Interested in visiting a national park this year? You won't want to miss this Park Talk.

Join us on May 27 at 7 PM ET for a virtual Park Talk to learn how to plan your best national park visit yet. You’ll hear from NPCA staff about:
▪️ How changes to reservation systems and increased visitation might impact your visit
▪️ Learn tips to help you plan in advance to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable visit
▪️ How to adventure responsibly
▪️ Ways to use your voice to ensure parks are protected and have the staff and resources they need to thrive

This Park Talk is just one of several resources NPCA and Travelodge have created over their decade-long partnership and supported by more than $1,200,000 donated to-date to inspire more people to have enjoyable and responsible park visits.

✅ Register to attend or receive a recording: https://support.npca.org/page/97696/event/1

05/22/2026

Happy Friday from White Sands!

Arthur Sze is the U.S. Poet Laureate for a second term and NPCA was honored to have him recite his beautiful poem “White Sands” on our Secret Lives of Parks podcast.

Is there a poem that encapsulates your national park experience? Share it in the comments! ✍️

05/21/2026

Good Park News! 🎉 As of today, the America the Beautiful bill has 60 bipartisan cosponsors, split evenly between the two parties. If passed, this bill would provide $11.2 billion over eight years to address our parks’ crumbling roads, decaying buildings, outdated drinking and wastewater systems and many more critical repair needs.

💡 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tRTsEK

05/20/2026

How does the House FY27 funding bill affect national parks? Here is what's in the bill:

▪️ $2.9 billion for the operation of the National Park System, essentially flat funding.
▪️ $41 million (20%) cut to historic preservation.
▪️ $1.8 billion (20%) cut to the Environmental Protection Agency.
▪️ Policy provisions that weaken protections for our national parks and public lands, including stripping endangered species protections and undermining protections for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the watershed for Voyageurs National Park.

We commend the House for rejecting the most egregious cuts from the president's budget, but we still need Congressional champions to come together for our parks.

“Just last year, members of Congress came together to pass a budget that supported our parks and their staff. They must do it again. Our parks and the people who protect and keep them running deserve more investment, more protection and greater commitment to their future.” - John Garder, NPCA's ...

05/20/2026

Last chance! ⏰

NPCA’s silent auction is ending today 5/20 at 7pm ET. Get in your final bids to win exclusive items for you or the park lover in your life, and be ready for your next road trip. 🚙

Plus, you can feel good knowing that proceeds benefit NPCA’s work to defend parks and ensure they thrive for generations to come. And that’s what our United by Parks road trip this week is all about.

❗ Bid now at npca.org/auction!