National Parks Conservation Association

Dear National Park Advocate,

America's national parks are living monuments reflecting who we are as a nation. They show us that together we have, and continue to have, the strength and resilience to do incredible things. Together, we can shape a future for our parks that build on our collective legacies.

What do you want to see in the future for America's parks?

It is National Park Week—and our theme this year is “Future of the Parks.” It is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the great accomplishments we have achieved together and how future generations will experience America's national parks.

Over the last year, our nation has come to a new appreciation of what our outdoor environments do for us, both mentally and physically. Let us work together to give every American an equal opportunity to use our shared spaces to safely come together, reflect, recharge, and give back.

We have made a lot of great progress together already this year, including building support for The Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act, and progress on regional haze and waterway protections across the country. But there is so much more we must do to leave our world – and our parks -- more equitable and accessible.

Our national parks are our shared heritage. Their future relies on the continued engagement of communities to ensure that from coast to coast all Americans can see their stories represented.

Remind Congress that our futures are connected. Supporting bills that ensure equity moves us closer to increasing the protection of our shared spaces to make sure that everyone can share in the beauty of America.

Unfortunately, right now all voices are not being heard in the fight for more parks that will welcome more Americans. We can change that by joining together to ensure national parks to tell a more inclusive and diverse American history through sites like Amache, Colorado; Rim of the Valley, California; Blackwell School, Texas; and Fort Monroe, Virginia.

As landscapes like these are added to the National Park System, we also need to increase equitable access to public lands and waters so that many more people can visit, fall in love with, and stand up for national parks.

So in a week full activities, join us in this first one! Please contact elected officials with your story. Let them know why our shared spaces matter to you. Together we can build the future our national parks and our country deserve.