L.L.Bean

Since 1912, L.L.Bean has been guided by the philosophies of its founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, who created trusted products so anyone who wants to enjoy nature can do so more easily, comfortably, and confidently. L.L.Bean wants to continue his vision of an outdoors where everyone has access to these treasured spaces, and everyone belongs. That’s why L.L.Bean is proud to be partnering with the National Park Foundation and its Parks of the Future initiative.

These plans for modernized facilities, advanced technologies, and easier accessibility for everyone inspire us in our mission every day. Because national parks belong to all of us. And the benefits of being outside, both mentally and physically, are something we all need – and deserve. See how great it feels to Be an Outsider and visit llbean.com today.

The Backstory

L.L.Bean is an internationally recognized outdoor retailer known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that help to further people’s enjoyment of the outdoors. For more than a hundred years, L.L.Bean has connected generations of Americans to our national parks, a tradition that continues today.

L.L.Bean previously partnered with NPF on Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque, which inspired people to discover and share their own unique connections to America’s national parks. L.L.Bean’s partnership helped make it easy for everyone to find the parks that are right in their backyard and make time outdoors an accessible goal. Through investments in introductory and welcoming national park experiences, such as Junior Angler and unique family summer programs at parks across the country, L.L.Bean made it easier to get outdoors and explore parks.L.L.Bean’s sponsorship of NPF’s Parks of the Future initiative will build on their efforts to help young people and families more easily access and experience the restorative power of nature.

In addition to their partnership with NPF, L.L.Bean has provided annual support to the Island Explorer propane bus system in Acadia National Park for many years. In 2019, the company announced a multi-year partnership with the Trust for Public Land to improve green spaces in order to provide greater access to the outdoors.

Partnership Impact

L.L.Bean’s partnership with NPF has celebrated and showcased the many ways individuals can access and enjoy our national parks. With L.L.Bean’s support – both financial and via in-kind fishing equipment donations, Junior Ranger expanded to include the Junior Ranger Angler program, encouraging kids to enjoy the vast recreational opportunities of the national parks. L.L.Bean funded Junior Angler programming was hosted at Redwood State and National Parks (CA), Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (MA), Canaveral National Seashore (FL), Cape Cod National Seashore (MA), Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH), and First State National Park (DE).

Support from L.L.Bean also allowed two parks to host accessibility and approachability programming, providing young people and their families with meaningful introductory park experiences. Petroglyph National Monument (NM) was able to hire a seasonal park ranger focused on introducing first time visitors to the park and providing recreational guidance. The ranger completed 120 trail roves and engaged with over 790 park visitors – many self-identified as first-time visitors from the local community. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (WI) was able to host several programs to engage new and diverse local community members including 9 paddle events with local organizations, and a tree ID & animal hike for a group of visitors with disabilities. They were also able to connect with local school groups to offer hikes, snowshoe adventures, and ice fishing programs, connecting more than 100 students with the outdoors.