Our nation’s national parks show us where we have been and carve a path to where we are going. National Park Week, April 17-25, provides an opportunity to highlight the unique stories and rich culture preserved in America’s treasured lands. The National Park Service and National Park Foundation encourage all Americans to explore amazing places across the country through daily themes, programs, events, and digital experiences.
There is something special about the personal connections we discover in our national parks, which is why access to the outdoors is critical for all communities. In honor of National Park Week, we are highlighting organizations that are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our nation’s outdoor spaces all year long.
Blackpeoplewhohike
Blackpeoplewhohike’s mission is to empower, educate, and reengage Black people to the outdoors through wellness campaigns, health advocacy, and community-based activities, including hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, and yoga. Blackpeoplewhohike is working to break through existing barriers that have heavily contributed to the underrepresentation of Black people in outdoor spaces. Learn more.
Hispanic Access Foundation
The Hispanic Access Foundation’s conservation program seeks to elevate diverse Latino voices and leaders. The aim is to support Latino communities to advocate for the environmental issues that directly affect their daily lives. Their programming builds bridges of access for Latinos to stewardship, conservation advocacy, and recreation opportunities to promote their communities’ health and the natural environment. Learn more.
Diversify Outdoors
Diversify Outdoors is a coalition of social media influencers that include bloggers, athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs. Together, they share the common goal of promoting diversity in outdoor spaces, where BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse identities have historically been marginalized and silenced. They are passionate about promoting equity and access to the outdoors for all – that includes being body positive and celebrating different skill levels and abilities. Learn more.
Pride Outside
Pride Outside is dedicated to providing relevant, inclusive opportunities outdoors for the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, in partnership with OUT There Adventure, Pride Outside hosts its LGBTQ Outdoor Summit, providing representatives from the outdoor industry, the conservation community, the environmental education space, and more an opportunity to discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ community and the outdoors. While also giving the group a chance to work together to support equity and social justice outside. Learn more.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.