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Area of Work

Outdoor Exploration

Making the outdoors more inclusive

Our national parks have the power to reveal things about ourselves and the world. However, not everyone is able to have those formative experiences. The National Park Foundation’s (NPF) Outdoor Exploration programs are all about making sure all people see themselves in parks and feel welcome here.

A person goes fly fishing in a stream that reaches up to his knees
"I Was Hooked"
Disabled veterans find healing, community through fly fishing at Shenandoah National Park.
Read the story

From admiring wildlife and breathtaking views to walking where history was made, our national parks provide a range of memorable experiences for all visitors. By eliminating barriers, promoting access, and cultivating connections to the social, mental, and physical health benefits of the outdoors, NPF actively works to ensure everyone can enjoy and create life-long relationships with our magnificent national parks. Our Outdoor Exploration programs focus on teaching valuable lifelong skills to visitors, collaborating with partner organizations to make the outdoors a more inviting space for BIPOC communities, and empowering diverse leadership within the National Park System.

view from tent on a beach

By the Numbers

  • 58
    Projects
    In its inaugural year, NPF's ParkVentures program supported 58 projects across the U.S. with over $1.2 million in grants, engaging several new community-based organizations.
  • 4,900
    New Junior Rangers
    In 2022, NPF helped nearly 4,900 young people earn their Junior Ranger badges through fishing events in national parks across the country.

Programs

Premier Partners

  • Nature Valley™

    As a premier partner of NPF’s work supporting Outdoor Exploration, Nature Valley is helping ensure everyone has access to and enjoys the benefits of being outdoors.

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  • Subaru of America

    The National Park Foundation is proud to recognize Subaru as our largest corporate partner, providing nearly $65 million in support since 2013.

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Supporting Partners

  • Niantic
  • Sun Outdoors
  • Winnebago and Winnebago Industries Foundation
Additional program support provided by American Airlines, EVOLVE Plant-Based Protein, Expedia, Kohl's, and Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold.

Updates

Related Stories

Two people sit at the top of a mountain, above clouds. They wear orange helmets and one curls a bicep
Walking Through Clouds

How a 17-year-old from Southwest D.C. found confidence 2,000 miles from home and 13,000 feet in the air.

All Outdoor Exploration Stories