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John, Are those cheers of joy or wails of despair
we hear? Probably both, as families across the country head back to
school. Sure, summer break is ending, but who says reading, 'riting,
and 'rithmetic have to stay indoors? There's no better classroom than
the outdoors, where learning happens no matter the season.

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-Alana Fink, Trust for Public Land

PS: What made recess special when you were in school?

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Kids design schoolyards

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Beyond the Blacktop

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What if every local schoolyard sparked joy, connection, and pride?
What if students helped design them and created places that reflect
who they are and what their community cares about?

PUTTING "WHAT IF" INTO ACTION

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Colorado River Horseshoe Bend, paddle

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Photo: Lenny Segel

Sign Now: Defend National Monuments

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The Antiquities Act has safeguarded places like the Grand Canyon and
Muir Woods for generations, but it's under threat. Take action now to
protect the Antiquities Act-and the national monuments it makes
possible.

TAKE ACTION NOW

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Where Class Meets Grass

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TPL community schoolyards are leveling up learning and outdoor play
across the country. We're transforming asphalt lots into vibrant green
spaces for students and neighbors alike. The best part? They're
designed by the kids themselves!

SEE HOW

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Mill Brook Green in Windsor, CT

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Photo: Jenna Stamm

Children at Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center in Washington

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Photo: Jorge Rivas

Nature Is the Greatest Teacher

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"When I grow up, I'm going to hike more," says Yusuf
(above left), a fifth grader at Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center in
Washington, where TPL helped protect the forest, ensuring lessons can
keep taking place outdoors. A thousand miles south in L.A.,
we're taking local families on overnight trips to natural areas
outside the city. In both cases, TPL is cultivating a new batch of
nature enthusiasts.

INTO THE WILD

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In the Spotlight

Playground Poem by Sierra Drayton, 6th grade

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LISTEN TO THE POEM
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More Stories for You

From Campfire to Community in Connecticut 
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For decades, Camp Laurel in Lebanon was a beloved Girl Scout site
where young women built confidence, leadership, and friendships in
nature. Now, TPL and partners are working to protect and conserve the
grounds for public access. Join alumna and TPL staffer Rachel
Cibrowski and Connecticut State Director Walker Holmes for an
insider's look at this special place.

Land Conservation Victory in Georgia

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Over 20 acres adjacent to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
Park have been spared from development. The park now spans nearly
3,000 acres and features Civil War trenches and berms, miles of
recreational trails, picnic areas, and a pond for combating forest
fires. 

Honoring Peoria's Past and Shaping Its Future

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In June, TPL joined in the celebration at the Black Panther Historical
Preservation Society's trail marker unveiling at Peoria's oldest
church, the Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. We
also hosted community design sessions for the future Mark Clark
Park-a space that will honor its namesake, an iconic Black
Panther leader and civil rights activist.

The Legacy Trail Levels Up

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?? The Legacy Trail, which connects historic Venice to
downtown Sarasota, just got a new pedestrian bridge over Clark Road,
improving safety for bikers, walkers, and joggers. The Legacy Trail is
a vital piece of our Florida Gulf Coast Trail-an epic pathway
that's connecting communities across seven coastal counties.

Lessons from the Land

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Shaped by generations of caring for and listening to the land, O.K.
Farms on Hawai'i Island grew to be one of the largest tropical
fruit producers in the country. Its recent protection teaches how
conservation can simultaneously improve food security, watershed
health, and cultural heritage.

TPL Launches Appalachia United Program

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Rock-solid news for mountain town communities! Thanks to a $10
million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, TPL will work
alongside rural Appalachia communities to realize the full potential
of their outdoor spaces-creating jobs, attracting visitors, and
improving quality of life.

Virginia Stands for LWCF

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Thanks to your advocacy, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is
protected in Congress's FY2026 funding bill. We're
grateful to Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine-as well as Reps. Rob
Wittman, Jen Kiggans, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, Don Beyer,
Suhas Subramanyam, and the late Rep. Gerry Connolly-for
protecting parks, trails, and public lands for all.

Ways to Give

Save the Date: TPL Giving Day, September 27

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Save the Date: TPL Giving Day

We're gearing up to celebrate our public lands on National
Public Lands Day (September 27), and you're invited to come
along for the adventure! Whether you're pledging your time,
using your voice, or activating your giving superpower, there's
a way for everyone to get involved. Mark your calendar and don't
miss this special day!

ADD THE EVENT TO YOUR CALENDAR

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GOOGLE

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OUTLOOK

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iCALENDAR

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YAHOO

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Planned Giving

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Photo: Annie Bang

August is Make-a-Will Month

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August is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the values you hold dear
and take a meaningful step toward shaping the future. A planned gift
to TPL helps ensure future access to the outdoors. Your legacy can
shape a healthier, more equitable world, and there's no better
time to start than now. 

SECURE OUR TOMORROW, TODAY

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Question of the Month

Last month, TPL asked: What do you think is the most underrated U.S.
national park? Here's what we heard back. Reply and
tell us if you agree or disagree with these
picks? 
[email protected]

Featured answer to Question of the Month

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Kobuk (AK)

Grand Canyon (AZ)

Death Valley (CA)

Joshua Tree (CA)

Lassen (CA)

Black Canyon of
the Gunnison (CO)

Rocky Mountain (CO)
Everglades (FL)

Indiana Dunes (IN)

Acadia (ME)

Isle Royale (MI)

White Sands (NM)
Great Basin (NV)

North Cascades (WA)

Mt. Rainier (WA)

Yellowstone (WY)

Congaree (SC)

Big Bend (TX)

Zion (UT)

Shenandoah (VA)

ANSWER THIS MONTH'S QUESTION

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Guess the Place

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Can You Guess Where This Is?

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From parks and pathways to playgrounds and preserved lands, find
stunning TPL projects from coast to coast. Can you guess where this
transformation took place and how it's associated with TPL's
work? 

DID YOU GUESS RIGHT?

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TPL in the News

Reuters:
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Eroding Protections For Public Lands

CBS Evening News: 

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How Green Spaces Can Help Get Kids Outside and Keep Them Cool

NewsChannel 9: 

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Elementary Students in Chattanooga to Transform Their Schoolyard Into
a Community Oasis

LAist: 

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Schoolyard Greening Projects Hit Milestone as Advocates See the
'Most Impact Ever'

NBC Seattle: 

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Trump Administration Cancels $1 Million Grant for Tacoma Community
Schoolyard Project

Join Our Advisory Board

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Advisory board members are TPL advocates, ambassadors, and donors who
help increase our impact through philanthropy, advocacy, connections,
and strategic guidance.

Join Our Team

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Come join a passionate team working toward a mission you believe in.
View all open positions.

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Estate and Planned Giving Manager

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Associate Director of Philanthropy - California

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Program Manager - Chattahoochee

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Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. 

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DONATE

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Connecting everyone to the outdoors. We create parks and protect
public land where they're needed most so that everyone will have
access to the benefits and joys of the outdoors for generations to
come.

This email was sent by Trust for Public Land to [email protected].
23 Geary St., Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94108
Trust for Public Land

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