Western National Parks Association

Summer is a special time to experience the joy of a national park! The past few months have been full of significant and historic occasions, reminding us every day of what an honor it is to support our 72 partner parks. Read on for some exciting organizational updates in the newest edition of Buck Tracks: Field Notes from Marie Buck, CEO. https://lnkd.in/gs7V-dWu

Do you like to live your life on two wheels? Check out this list of five great national parks for cycling! https://lnkd.in/gixyCMHC Whether you want a relaxed stretch of road for a family ride or an exciting mountain biking trail, you can find it in a national park. #biking #nationalparks #outdoor #outdoorrecreation #optoutside

Yesterday, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, in collaboration with the Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial and the 834th Battalion, held the annual Port Chicago Commemoration, marking 80 years since the Port Chicago Disaster. Every year, this day of remembrance honors those who lost their lives in 1944, when a massive explosion instantly killed 320 people and injured 400 more. This year’s ceremony began a new chapter in the story of Port Chicago: exoneration. Last week, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, exonerated 256 African American sailors who were court-martialed and wrongfully convicted after refusing to return to dangerous working conditions and further imperiling others. The brave men live on in the hearts and minds of families and a widespread community of advocates who worked tirelessly to bring about this historic moment of justice. Family, friends, neighbors, and advocates—so many who have lived with the generational pain of fighting for justice so long deferred—were recognized and honored during the ceremony. National Park Service Superintendent K. Lynn Berry and Supervisory Park Ranger Hilary Grabowska gave moving remarks. In an emotional address, Secretary Del Toro recognized the significance of this moment for the families whose lost loved ones have been finally and rightfully vindicated. Among many distinguished special guests were Thurgood Marshall Jr, Congressman George Miller, Congressman John Garamendi, and Rev. Diana McDaniel. Rev. McDaniel cofounded the Friends of Port Chicago Memorial with Dr. Robert L. Allen, who sadly passed away only seven days before the historic exoneration was announced. Rev. McDaniel and representatives of the friends group honored Kelli English, the Servicewide Program Manager for Cooperating Associations and Partnerships for the National Park Service, with the 2024 Friends of Port Chicago Commemorative Hero Award. In her work supporting Port Chicago, Kelli English has served as a key liaison to the friends group and personally conducted Port Chicago tours, programs, and presentations. Her remarks were full of deep respect for the families and humble joy that this day had finally arrived. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Kelli for this much-deserved recognition. WNPA President and CEO Marie Buck, Senior Content and Communications Manager Julie Thompson, Operations Manager John Todd, and Park Store Manager Lindsey Smith were humbled to attend the ceremony, to honor the lives and sacrifices of so many, and to be present during this historic moment in the fight for civil rights. We hold in our hearts the knowledge that this act of prevailing justice will bring greater public awareness and understanding of the profound significance of the story of Port Chicago. #portchicago #nationalparkservice Many pictures provided courtesy of NPS/Luther Bailey

This week marks a truly historic moment. On July 17th, 2024, the US Navy formally exonerated 256 African American sailors, overturning the convictions of the heroes who refused to return to unsafe working conditions following a massive explosion that killed 320 people during WWII. This explosion disproportionately affected African American sailors, who were forced to perform hazardous tasks without proper training. Many sailors protested after being required to return to work in the same dangerous and unjust conditions while white supervising officers were given leave. Ultimately, 50 men refused to return to work and were court-martialed, charged with mutiny, and convicted.   Efforts to clear the names of The Port Chicago 50 have spanned decades. Today, 80 years after the disaster, because of the tireless efforts of family, community members, elected officials, and many more, we are beyond moved to celebrate the historic exoneration of The Port Chicago 50 and the remaining 206 sailors who were convicted of disobeying orders. Tomorrow, the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial and the US Army's 834th Transportation Battalion, will host the Annual Port Chicago Commemoration. This Day of Remembrance honors the 320 men who lost their lives. We want to offer our deepest gratitude to everyone who fought tirelessly to shed light on injustice and make this historic moment a reality! You can read more at https://lnkd.in/g7eBqxki. Photo: NPS Collection POCH 2.079

WNPA's 86th birthday! As we celebrate 86 years of loving and protecting our national parks, we invite outdoor enthusiasts like you to join us as Park Protectors! Our national parks are a gateway to the legacy of cultures, societies and history left to us by past generations. Your yearly contribution of only $25 helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. Join the Park Protector community today! https://lnkd.in/gcbyWmD9 National Park Service #educatation #research #conservation #protection #optoutside

### Big Event Alert! ### If you're in the Albuquerque area this weekend, don't miss out on an incredible experience at Petroglyph National Monument! Join us on July 13th and 14th from 10 AM to 4 PM for the Hubbell Trading Post Navajo Rugs and Jewelry Show. 🎨✨ Meet Navajo trader Wallace James Jr. for fascinating rug talks at 11 AM and 2 PM daily. Plus, enjoy daily weaving demonstrations by the talented weaver Tonita Yazzie. 🧵🌟 This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Navajo culture and artistry. Join us and shop hundreds of Navajo rugs and fine silver and turquoise jewelry from the Hubbell Trading Post! Not only are these pieces exquisite, they make great conversation starters because they come from the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest. 😍 😎 See you there!  Visit Albuquerque New Mexico Tourism Department #culture #culturaltourism #culturalheritage #art #education

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As a partner of the National Park Service, we’re proud to support initiatives that improve accessibility for people of all abilities at some of the world's most naturally breathtaking, culturally rich, and historically significant landscapes. National parks are places of belonging, connection, and well-being—transformational places for everyone to enjoy and learn about the natural and cultural wonders of the world. Ensuring our national parks are accessible supports a more equitable and inclusive national park experience for people with disabilities, both visible and invisible. And remember, accessibility benefits everyone, making it possible for everyone to experience greater enjoyment, new challenges, and the vast health benefits of spending time in a national park. Accessible outdoor experiences and educational programs make parks more welcoming to all. We’re so moved to provide vital equipment and programs to support an inclusive national park experience! Learn how you can make an impact at wnpa.org/donate. #domoregood #optoutside #nationalparks #activism #accessibility #philanthropy

Since our founding in 1938, Western National Parks Association has published award-winning books as a nonprofit publishing partner of the National Park Service. While we’ve greatly expanded our services for our partner parks, we still independently publish books—as well as trail guides and Junior Ranger booklets—to make the national park experience even more spectacular. Our thoroughly researched, well-written, and beautifully designed books represent the unique diversity of our partner parks. We also issue cookbooks, children’s books, travel guides, and reference titles. Every book sale supports the 70 national parks that we partner with. Click here to learn more. https://lnkd.in/gdQ2Q-9F #publishing #books #journalism #writing #education #conservation #research #tourism