NatureBridge Chosen By National Park Trust And National Park Service As A 2024 Challenge Cost Share Awardee

Triangle, VA, (October 9, 2024) – The National Park Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), announced recently that $361,000 was awarded to fund 17 enriching education and outdoor recreation initiatives through the 2024 NPS Challenge Cost Share Program. Each project connects a local community to a nearby national park, national trail, or wild and scenic river, fostering a deeper connection with our natural and cultural heritage. This year’s group of awardees will engage more than 6,500 participants in active, healthy outdoor recreation, conservation, and education initiatives.

NatureBridge received a $25,000 award to support our work to engage Mid-Atlantic students in partnership with Prince William Forest Park. This grant will support safe engagement in outdoor recreation, environmental education and stewardship opportunities at Prince William for approximately 1,000 students who may face socioeconomic barriers to accessing nature in a national park setting.

“National Park Trust is thrilled to once again partner with the National Park Service and community partners across the country to connect people of all backgrounds and abilities to national parks while engaging the newest generation of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards,” said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust. “The Challenge Cost Share program is a terrific example of an initiative that leverages public and private funds to invest in communities to create sustainable partnerships that benefit parks and people.”

“Partnering with the National Park Trust allows the National Park Service to reach more people and communities through the Challenge Cost Share Program,” said Lauren S. Imgrund, NPS associate director for Partnerships and Civic Engagement. “We appreciate the work of local partner organizations across the nation, who are using their resources and skills to support conservation, recreation, and education projects that are meaningful and impactful to their communities.”

For more information, please visit naturebridge.org or contact our Director of Communications and Marketing, Kenny Eng (keng@naturebridge.org).