The Natchez Trace Parkway Joins 48 Parks Across the Country to Participate In
Foundation’s 2012 Program
TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway has been selected as one of 49 national parks participating in the 2012 America’s Best Idea program sponsored by the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. Inspired by the critically-acclaimed Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” the program funds park projects that connect diverse, under-engaged populations throughout the United States with their national parks in innovative and meaningful ways.
“We are proud to provide the much needed support to create unique opportunities for all Americans to personally connect with their national parks,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “The America’s Best Idea grants are often the catalyst for extraordinary experiences that develop into lifelong relationships with our national parks for the program participants.”
“The Natchez Trace Parkway is honored to be selected as a National Park Foundation grant recipient. The park strives to increase our outreach into our neighboring communities and we look forward to partnering with Bike Walk Mississippi to help accomplish that goal.” said Terry Wildy, Chief of Interpretation for the Natchez Trace Parkway.
During the fall of 2012, the Natchez Trace Parkway will partner with Bike Walk Mississippi and other community organizations to host a “Natchez Trace Trailfest” which will include ranger-led programs, stewardship-related activities, live music, and a host of activities along the Parkway’s Multiuse Trail in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Natchez Trace Parkway looks forward to reaching out to communities adjacent to the Parkway by offering free, healthy, family-oriented activities within their national park.
About the National Park Foundation. The National Park Foundation recognizes the American people as the owners of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites–all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. As partners, we work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us in supporting your national parks—this is your land.
The National Park Service is entrusted with caring for America’s 397 national parks while partnering with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
The National Park Foundation and the Natchez Trace Parkway wish to thank L.L. Bean, DISNEY, the Anschutz Foundation, and the Ahmanson Foundation for their generous support of the America’s Best Idea program. For a full listing of participating parks, program descriptions, additional information on the National Park Foundation, or how you can support and protect America’s national parks, visit www.nationalparks.org.
