Project Selection
Each year, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks identify critical projects that cannot take place without funding from WNPF donors. Once projects are identified, we raise funds from donors like you to make these projects a reality.
The projects we fund fall into four core priority areas: science and research, visitors’ experiences, volunteerism and stewardship, and embracing inclusion.
Scientific study is and has always been a crucial element in the management of Washington’s national parks. Research projects have been wide-ranging and include wildlife and plant studies, monitoring glaciers and river systems, restoring endangered species and habitats, and examining visitor use patterns. All of these projects have helped advance understanding vital for protecting the parks now and forever. Your support enables important research projects like:
2025
Mount Rainier National Park
2024
North Cascades National Park
Olympic National Park
2023
Creating a positive, safe, and memorable experience for visitors of all backgrounds is the foundation of the parks’ mission. With your help, we have created opportunities for young people and their families within the parks, supported trail maintenance, improved wayfinding signage, increased visitor engagement with park rangers, and enhanced critical search and rescue efforts, and many other projects that allow rangers to be of better service to those who come to the parks – something that, most will tell you, is in a park ranger’s DNA. These include:
National park volunteers are a powerful force for providing vital project support and creating passionate advocates for the parks’ mission. With your support, volunteers have contributed thousands of hours over the years, conducting backcountry patrols, wildlife surveys, restoration projects, guest programs, geologic research, and archaeological work. Our partnerships have funded supplies, housing, uniforms, vehicles, and coordination to keep these key programs flourishing. Thanks to your support, we’ve enabled dozens of these projects over the years, including:
The future of our parks depends upon creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to experience, connect with, and ultimately treasure Washington’s wildest places. With your support, we have funded a number of programs that foster an environment in the parks where people who experience more life barriers based on their identities can feel welcome and that they belong. These important projects include:
We are proud to fund projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Washington’s national parks every year as part of our commitment to make the parks more accessible for all.
Learn about our commitment, and see how your donations help.