Science & Research

Wildfires and Wildlife in Washington’s National Parks

With wildfire season winding down for the year, you may wonder how these fires – and the altered landscape left behind – impact the wildlife of our national parks. Read how animals react and the aftermath from the wildfires affecting Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.

Snow, Science, and Stewardship: Middle School Field Trips in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park's Elwha Science and Snow Science programs aim to immerse middle schoolers in hands-on experiences that cultivate a deep appreciation for our natural world while fostering essential scientific inquiry skills - supported in part by WNPF donors! Read more about the project.

The Power of Poop: Researching Rare Carnivores in Washington's National Parks

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, donors are playing an important role in unraveling the mysteries of the rare carnivores that call the Cascade Range home through Mount Rainier’s Science for All project in collaboration with Cascades Carnivore Project.

Herd About It? Donors Help Olympic National Park Monitor Roosevelt Elk

Learn about an innovative project - supported by donors - at Olympic National Park that monitors the iconic Roosevelt Elk that helped pave the way for the park’s creation.

Making Connections: The Olympic Cougar Project

There are estimated to be about 3,600 cougars in Washington, but wild encounters with this elusive creature are very rare and their habits remain mysterious. A collaborative research program on the Olympic Peninsula is now working to reveal the cougar’s secrets. Learn about the Olympic Cougar Project with Wildlife Program...

Fishy Business: Behind the Scenes of Fisher Reintroduction in Washington

A state-wide effort across multiple organizations, including funding from WNPF, have been making significant and successful strides in reintroducing fishers to their home within the Olympic Peninsula and the Cascades. Step into the shoes of a wildlife biologist to see how they monitor fisher populations in the area.

Avalanche Safety: A Snow-Brainer for Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an exceptional place year-round, including winter. But with all that beauty comes danger. Avalanches are a real threat in the park, which is why - with the help of WNPF donors - park staff are taking measures to ensure that they can navigate and support visitors...

Your Gifts in Action: How Donors are Helping Mount Rainier's Meadows Blossom Again

The natural beauty and ecological diversity are under threat from human activities, which continue to damage the fragile ecosystem. See how your gift is directly supporting this critical project.

Bear Essentials: How to Paw-sitively Recreate in Bear Country

The North Cascades is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic black bear. Unfortunately, not all visitors who come to the park are aware of the correct way to interact with these animals. That's where the Bear Essentials project comes in, thanks to generous donors to WNPF.