In recognition of Veterans Day, the National Park Foundation has announced a new initiative designed to strengthen connections between service members, veterans, military families, and the nation’s parks, creating new opportunities for recreation, education, employment, and community engagement.
The program represents a significant investment in expanding access to America’s national parks while recognizing the unique contributions and experiences of the military community. Through partnerships with the National Park Service, park partners, and community organizations, the effort aims to create meaningful outdoor experiences that foster connection, reflection, and renewal.
At the heart of the initiative is a pilot program that combines employment opportunities with expanded recreational programming. The National Park Foundation will fund 10 positions, including a role at the National Park Service’s Washington Support Office and nine seasonal ranger positions at national parks located near military installations.
Among the participating sites are several parks with strong historical and military significance, including Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in Florida, Fort Monroe National Monument in Virginia, Moores Creek National Battlefield in North Carolina, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas. Other participating locations include Canaveral National Seashore, Olympic National Park, Petroglyph National Monument, Rocky Mountain National Park, and National Capital Parks-East.
Hiring for the new positions will prioritize members of the military community, including veterans and military spouses. The seasonal rangers will help build stronger relationships between national parks and nearby military installations while connecting veterans and their families with outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
The initiative also includes a $450,000 investment in partnership with the National Park Trust to develop welcoming and accessible park experiences specifically tailored to military families. Programs will focus on introducing participants to outdoor recreation activities while building confidence, fostering community, and encouraging a sense of belonging in national parks.
Organizers hope the effort will address common barriers that often prevent families from visiting national parks, including transportation challenges, unfamiliarity with park resources, equipment needs, costs, and logistical concerns.
“National parks offer powerful places for reflection, connection, and renewal,” said Mike Reynolds, Chief Program Officer of the National Park Foundation. “Through this new program, the National Park Foundation will help more members of the military community and their families experience and find joy, community, and belonging in the landscapes and stories of our national parks.”
The program expands upon previous National Park Foundation-supported projects that have connected veterans and military families with public lands. These efforts have included veteran-led service programs, fishing clinics for military families, and citizen science initiatives involving military-connected youth.
Officials say lessons learned during the pilot phase will guide future investments and help expand military-focused programming to additional parks across the country in the years ahead.
The announcement comes at a time when many organizations are looking for new ways to support veterans beyond traditional recognition ceremonies. By combining outdoor recreation, employment opportunities, education, and community engagement, the National Park Foundation hopes to create experiences that strengthen both individual well-being and connections to the nation’s shared heritage.
For veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, the initiative offers more than access to parks. It provides opportunities to build community, explore America’s history, and discover the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors in some of the country’s most treasured landscapes.
As Veterans Day celebrations conclude, the new program serves as a reminder that honoring military service can take many forms, including creating pathways to adventure, learning, healing, and connection in the places that tell America’s story.
