$100 Million Gift to Support US National Parks

The National Park Foundation has received a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest donation in the foundation’s history. Dedicated to raising private funds and supporting initiatives that preserve and enhance the nation’s national park sites, the foundation will use this significant funding to address the needs of parks across the country, including California’s iconic Yosemite and Joshua Tree.

California, home to some of the most visited national parks in the U.S., stands to benefit from this grant. The state’s parks, known for their diverse ecosystems and famous landmarks, are under increasing pressure from growing numbers of visitors. Many of these parks struggle with limited resources, putting them at risk of being “loved to death.”

While the exact distribution of funds has yet to be announced, the National Park Foundation has indicated that priorities will include restoring ecosystems and improving visitor experiences. This could provide much-needed support for California’s parks, helping to preserve their natural beauty and ensure they remain accessible to future generations.

National parks nationwide are facing challenges that threaten their long-term sustainability. Overcrowding, insufficient funding, and the impacts of climate change are putting immense pressure on the ecosystems and landscapes that draw millions of visitors each year.

One of the most pressing issues is overcrowding. Popular parks like Yosemite, Zion, and the Great Smoky Mountains are seeing record numbers of visitors, especially during peak seasons. For example, Yosemite National Park has experienced over 4 million visitors annually in recent years. This surge has led to traffic congestion, long lines, and a strain on park resources, including trails and facilities. The overwhelming demand often outpaces the parks’ ability to maintain infrastructure, leading to deterioration and reduced visitor experiences.

Despite their popularity, many national parks struggle with funding shortfalls. The National Park Service (NPS) has a nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog, covering everything from repairing roads and bridges to maintaining visitor centers and restoring historic structures. With limited federal funding, the NPS relies heavily on donations and grants from organizations like the National Park Foundation. However, these contributions often fall short of what is needed to adequately address the parks’ maintenance and conservation needs.

Climate change is exacerbating these challenges. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and more frequent extreme events are altering ecosystems and threatening wildlife. For instance, Glacier National Park in Montana is losing its namesake glaciers at an alarming rate, with many predicted to disappear within a few decades. Similarly, Joshua Tree National Park is witnessing the decline of its iconic Joshua trees, which are struggling to survive in increasingly hot and dry conditions.

The growing number of visitors also poses a direct threat to the fragile ecosystems within the parks. In areas like Zion National Park’s narrow canyons and Yellowstone’s geothermal features, the sheer volume of foot traffic can cause erosion, damage vegetation, and disturb wildlife. Efforts to mitigate these impacts, such as implementing reservation systems or limiting access to certain areas, have been met with mixed reactions from the public, balancing conservation needs with visitor satisfaction.