990 PART III, LINE 4A PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
ENSURING PARK PRESERVATION TODAY; CREATING PARK STEWARDS FOR TOMORROW FOR 32 YEARS, NATIONAL PARK TRUST (NPT) HAS WORKED ON HUNDREDS OF PARK PRESERVATION PROJECTS FROM MAINE TO ALASKA AND HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN PRESERVING NEARLY 39,000 ACRES OF PARK LANDS FROM DEVELOPMENT. WE ARE UNIQUE IN THAT WE MOVE QUICKLY TO SELECT, ACQUIRE AND PRESERVE LAND AND WATER BY DEDICATING FUNDING TO COMMUNITIES AND PROJECTS THAT NEED IT MOST. OFTEN WE SERVE AS A PARTNER WITH LARGE NATIONAL LAND TRUSTS AND FRIENDS GROUPS TO PROVIDE CRITICAL BRIDGE FUNDING AND ACQUISITION RESOURCES TO COMPLETE PARK PRESERVATION. NOW THROUGH OUR NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAM, KIDS TO PARKS DAYTM AND KIDS TO PARKS DAY NATIONAL SCHOOL CONTEST, NPT HAS FURTHER IMPACTED PARK PRESERVATION BY PROVIDING IN-DEPTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS, THEIR FAMILIES AND TEACHERS - WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES. OUR GOAL IS TO CULTIVATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS AND CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS WHO WILL MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR PARKS AND PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER, AND TO PROMOTE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION. TO DATE, NPT'S PROGRAMS HAVE REACHED MORE THAN 630,000 (A 33% INCREASE OVER 2014) CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND THE PROGRAM HAS GARNERED RECOGNITION FROM LEADERS IN THE EDUCATION, MEDICAL, RECREATION, AND CONSERVATION COMMUNITIES INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR (DOI), NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS), AMERICA'S STATE PARKS, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON FITNESS, SPORTS AND NUTRITION, NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION, AND NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,. OUR PROGRAMS ALSO OFFICIALLY SUPPORT THE FIRST LADY'S LET'S MOVE! INITIATIVE AND HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON THE LET'S MOVE! WEBSITE. IN THE COMING YEARS, NPT WILL WORK TO EXPAND AND FURTHER INTEGRATE OUR LAND CONSERVATION AND YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS SO THAT WE NOT ONLY CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES IN NATURE WHERE CHILDREN GAIN IMPORTANT ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS BUT ALSO LEARN IMPORTANT LESSONS IN CONSERVATION AND THEIR ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR NATION'S PARKLANDS. AND WITH A POTENTIAL FEDERAL WORKFORCE RETIREMENT RATE OF 40 PERCENT IN THE NEXT DECADE, NPT HAS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES IN NATURE AND EXPOSE THEM TO GREEN CAREER PATHWAYS AS TECHNICIANS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, LAND MANAGERS, AND EDUCATORS, AMONG OTHER PROFESSIONS. LAND AND PARK PRESERVATION PROGRAMS NPT CONTINUES TO MAKE GREAT PROGRESS WITH OUR PARK CONSERVATION EFFORTS. IN THE LATE 1990S, WE WERE THE LEAD ORGANIZATION TO CREATE A NEW UNIT OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM DEDICATED TO PRESERVE OUR COUNTRY'S PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM - THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE. NPT CONTINUES TO BE INSTRUMENTAL IN ADDING CRITICAL PRIVATE LANDS TO OTHER PARKS INCLUDING KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK, GA; BRUCE VENTO NATURE SANCTUARY, MN; YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA; AND GEORGE WASHINGTON FOREST, WV. IN 2014, WE TRANSFERRED TITLE OF THE IVANPAH DESERT TORTOISE RESEARCH FACILITY IN MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE, CA TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO HELP PROTECT THIS ENDANGERED SPECIES AND ALSO ACQUIRED 30 ACRES OF NEEDED LAND FOR INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, IN. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON SEVERAL NEW UNIQUE PRESERVATION PROJECTS INCLUDING: JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, LA INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL OF OUR COMPLETED PROJECTS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.PARKTRUST.ORG. RECENT AND ONGOING PROJECTS INCLUDE: ARKANSAS: JOHNNYCAKE RANCH (ONGOING SINCE 2003) NPT HOLDS THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON THIS 2000 ACRE RANCH, WHICH ABUTS THE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST AND THE POTEAU MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AREA. THE FOREST IS HOME TO 79 PROPOSED, ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES. THE EASEMENT ALSO PROVIDES HABITAT PROTECTION FOR THE BALD EAGLE. THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT BENEFITS BOTH THE WILDERNESS AREA AND THE NATIONAL FOREST BY PROVIDING A BUFFER ZONE TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED ECOLOGICAL VIABILITY OF THESE FEDERAL ASSETS. MARCH 2013, MARCH 2014, AND MARCH 2015: NPT RENEWED CONTRACT WITH OKLAHOMA BASED LAND TRUST TO OVERSEE EASEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON ARKANSAS PROJECT. CALIFORNIA: MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE (ONGOING SINCE 2009) NPT IS MANAGING MITIGATION FUNDS FOR A DESERT TORTOISE FACILITY AT THE PRESERVE. JULY 2012: NPT TOOK LEGAL CUSTODY FOR FACILITY UNTIL IT IS READY TO BE TURNED OVER TO NPS. NPT RECEIVED DONATION/MITIGATION FUNDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FACILITY OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS. NPT VISITED FACILITY AND MET WITH SCIENTISTS AND NPS PARK OFFICIALS IN OCTOBER 2012. FINAL TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO NPS OCCURRED IN FALL 2014. NPT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR RESEARCH FOR THREE MORE YEARS. LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK NPT IS WORKING WITH LASSEN VOLCANIC AND HAS FORMED A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LASSEN PARK FOUNDATION TO HELP REBUILD THE LASSEN PEAK TRAIL, THE SIGNATURE TRAIL TO THE PEAK OF THE PARK'S NAMESAKE. YEARS OF USE HAS LED TO THE TRAIL'S DETERIORATION AND DEGRADATION OF THE FRAGILE MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEM. NPT HAS HELD A FALL BOARD MEETING AT LASSEN. SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA (ONGOING SINCE 2008) NPT FORMED A PARTNERSHIP WITH NPS AND THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND TO PROTECT HIGH PRIORITY INHOLDINGS IN THE SMMNRA. CALIFORNIA-BASED BOARD MEMBERS HAVE MET WITH CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMEN ON BEHALF OF THE PROJECT AND HAVE HELPED SECURE LWCF FUNDS FOR THEIR PURCHASE. CALIFORNIA-BASED MEMBER HAS MET WITH CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMEN ON BEHALF OF THE PROJECT. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (SUMMER 2014 TO PRESENT) PARTNERING WITH THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS TO ACQUIRE, PRESERVE, AND DONATE 400 ACRES OF CRITICAL HABITAT TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. NPT HELD THE SEMI-ANNUAL BOARD MEETING IN FALL OF 2014. GEORGIA: KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK (WINTER 2010 TO PRESENT) TO COMMEMORATE THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE CIVIL WAR, NPT IS WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND TO ACQUIRE AND PROTECT A CRITICAL INHOLDING OF 16 ACRES IN GEORGIA'S KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK. THE BATTLEFIELD IS SIGNIFICANT BOTH HISTORICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY. AMONG ITS NATURAL RESOURCES ARE THE NOSES CREEK WATERSHED, KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, THE APPALACHIAN FOOTHILLS, SCENIC VIEW-SHED PROTECTION AND RECREATIONAL PARKLAND. ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE RESTS IN THE UNION'S TROOP MOVEMENTS IN 1864, WHEN CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS CELEBRATED A RARE VICTORY OVER UNION TROOPS DURING THE WANING YEARS OF THE WAR. NPT IS PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, ADVOCACY WORK AND FUNDS FOR DUE DILIGENCE TO HELP ACQUIRE THIS PARCEL WITH LWCF FUNDING. NPT CONTINUES TO WORK TO PROTECT THE HAYES INHOLDING, PARTNERING WITH TPL AND THE CIVIL WAR TRUST. INDIANA: INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE (FALL 2013 TO PRESENT) NPT IS WORKING WITH THE NPS AND TWO AREA ENERGY COMPANIES TO ACQUIRE NEEDED PROPERTY AT THE NATIONAL LAKESHORE USING FUNDS THE COMPANIES HAVE COMMITTED AS PART OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS. THE LANDS ARE THEN BEING DONATED TO THE NATIONAL LAKESHORE. LOUISIANA: JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK - BARATARIA PRESERVE (2012 TO PRESENT) NPT IS WORKING WITH THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND TO ASSURE THE ACQUISITION OF THE FLEMING PLANTATION, A 3,000 ACRE WETLAND PROPERTY IN THE BARATARIA UNIT OF THE PARK JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK - CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD (2013) NPT IS WORKING WITH THE PARK ON A LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT AT THE CHALMETTE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD AND NATIONAL CEMETERY THAT WILL INVOLVE YOUNG STUDENTS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE UPCOMING BICENTENNIAL OF THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS DURING THE WAR OF 1812. NPT BOARD WILL VISIT DURING SEMI-ANNUAL BOARD MEETING IN OCTOBER 2015. |
990 PART III, LINE 4A PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
MINNESOTA: BRUCE VENTO NATURE SANCTUARY (ONGOING SINCE 2006) NPT IS WORKING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF THIS UNIQUE 27-ACRE PARK ON THE MISSISSIPPI FLOODPLAIN EAST OF ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. THE SANCTUARY INCLUDES SPRING-FED WETLANDS, FLOODPLAIN FOREST, PRAIRIE AND OAK WOODLAND HABITAT, AND UNUSUAL CONCENTRATION OF CULTURAL RESOURCES. FUNDING FOR INTERPRETATION AND PARK AMENITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED. SPRING 2011: PROVIDED FUNDING TO THE LOWER PHALEN CREEK PROJECT FOR THE SANCTUARY'S SCHOOL CURRICULUM. FALL 2013: NPT IS MOVING FORWARD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOWER PHALEN CREEK PROJECT TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM ON THE PROPERTY. SUMMER 2013: FUNDING ACQUIRED AND CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY. COMPLETED IN FALL 2014. UTAH: ZION NATIONAL PARK (FALL 2012) SUMMER 2013: FUNDING PROVIDED TO TPL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. NPT WORKED WITH THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND IN 2012 TO ACQUIRE INHOLDING AT THE TABERNACLE DOME IN ZION NATIONAL PARK, THE 30-ACRE PARCEL OF LAND WAS A HIGH RISK FOR DEVELOPMENT. WASHINGTON, DC: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND - CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL (2012 TO PRESENT) NPT HELPED ORGANIZE A COALITION OF ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT A $5 MILLION ITEM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR BUDGET FOR CRITICAL LAND ACQUISITION FOR "CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL UNITS" TO PROTECT SIGNIFICANT CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD SITES. THE GROUP INCLUDED ; THE CIVIL WAR TRUST, THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND, THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AND THE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, IN ADDITION TO THE NPT. THIS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESSFUL FUNDING OF THIS INITIATIVE. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: (WINTER 2013 TO PRESENT) NPT STAFF MET WITH NPS LAND ACQUISITION DIRECTOR TO IDENTIFY CRITICAL UNFUNDED ACQUISITION NEEDS IN 31 STATES. NPT WILL WORK TO OBTAIN DONATED FUNDS TO ACQUIRE THESE PROPERTIES. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: (FALL 2012 TO PRESENT) NPT DEVELOPED MITIGATION AND RESTORATION STRATEGY TO BENEFIT NATIONAL PARK LANDS WITH FUNDS COMING FROM CORPORATIONS REQUIRED TO MITIGATE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT OR SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT SETTLEMENTS. NPT STAFF MET WITH NPS NATURAL RESOURCES AND SCIENCE DIRECTOR TO IDENTIFY NEEDED UNFUNDED PROJECTS NATIONWIDE. NPT HAS BEGUN TO MEET WITH POTENTIAL CORPORATE PARTNERS FOR THESE RESTORATION/MITIGATION PROJECTS. WEST VIRGINIA: GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST (ONGOING SINCE 2003) NPT ACQUIRED AND CONTINUES TO HOLD THE MINERAL RIGHTS FOR 5,000 ACRES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST. YOUTH PROGRAMS FROM HIKING TO THE TOP OF WATCHMAN OVERLOOK AT CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, TO CANOEING ALONG THE ANACOSTIA RIVER IN WASHINGTON, D.C., NATIONAL PARK TRUST IS MAKING CONSERVATION RELEVANT TO THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FROM INNER CITY AND RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. OUR PROGRAMS CENTER AROUND OUR LOVABLE PINT-SIZED WOOLLY MASCOT, BUDDY BISON WHO REMINDS KIDS TO "EXPLORE OUTDOORS, THE PARKS ARE YOURS!" BUDDY BISON IS NOT ONLY A TANGIBLE REMINDER THAT KIDS NEED TO GET OUT AND GO, BUT HE ALSO CONNECTS KIDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH EACH OTHER. FAMILIES AND TEACHERS ALIKE WANT TO KNOW "WHERE'S BUDDY BISON BEEN?" IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING MORE THAN $75,000 IN DIRECT FUNDING IN THE 2014-2105 SCHOOL YEAR TO CREATE ROBUST PARK EXPERIENCES FOR UNDER-SERVED YOUTH, NPT HAS WORKED WITH MORE THAN 50 "BUDDY BISON" SCHOOLS IN 20 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO PROVIDE EDUCATORS WITH CLASSROOM RESOURCES (BOOKS, MAPS, DVDS, LESSON PLANS, WORKSHEETS, STEM ACTIVITIES, ETC) AND A DEDICATED EDUCATION TEAM TO INTRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPTS AND ENHANCE SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN THE AREAS OF HISTORY, STEM, GEOGRAPHY, READING, LANGUAGE ARTS, MUSIC AND ART. AS AN EXTENSION OF OUR RAPIDLY GROWING BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAM, NPT ALSO INITIATED KIDS TO PARKS DAY IN 2011. THIS GRASSROOTS DAY OF PLAY ENGAGES CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH PARKS NATIONWIDE, TEACHING THEM NOT ONLY ABOUT PARK STEWARDSHIP, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY, BUT ALSO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION AND HEALTHY NUTRITION. KIDS TO PARKS DAY HAS CAPTURED THE INTEREST OF MANY COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH A SENATE RESOLUTION PASSED, 359 MAYORS FROM ALL 50 STATES AND 27 GOVERNORS COAST TO COAST SIGNING OFFICIAL PROCLAMATIONS -- MANY CITIES AND TOWNS HOSTED EVENTS IN THEIR COMMUNITY PARKS TO CELEBRATE THE DAY. IN 2015, 787 PARK EVENTS WERE BRANDED AS KIDS TO PARKS DAY PROGRAMS AND MORE THAN 640,000 PEOPLE VISITED A PARK ON KIDS TO PARKS DAY. OUR GOAL FOR OUR BUDDY BISON SCHOOL PROGRAM AND KIDS TO PARKS DAY IS TO INSPIRE A GENERATION OF FUTURE CONSERVATION LEADERS AND PARK ENTHUSIASTS. THROUGH FALL 2015, THE BUDDY BISON PROGRAM HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ARIZONA - 1 SCHOOL, 70 STUDENTS CALIFORNIA - 5 SCHOOLS, 1250 STUDENTS GEORGIA - 3 SCHOOL, 450 STUDENTS ILLINOIS - 1 SCHOOL, 150 STUDENTS INDIANA - 2 SCHOOLS, 400 STUDENTS IOWA - 2 SCHOOL, 250 STUDENTS INDIANA: 1 SCHOOL, 70 STUDENTS LOUISIANA - 2 SCHOOL, 400 STUDENTS MARYLAND - 7 SCHOOLS, 1300 STUDENTS MISSISSIPPI - 4 SCHOOLS, 550 STUDENTS MISSOURI - 2 SCHOOL, 200 STUDENTS NEVADA - 4 SCHOOLS, 500 STUDENTS NEW YORK - 2 SCHOOLS, 100 STUDENTS NEW JERSEY - 3 SCHOOL, 400 STUDENTS NEW ORLEANS - 1 SCHOOL, 250 STUDENTS NORTH CAROLINA - 1 SCHOOL, 200 STUDENTS OREGON - 2 SCHOOL, 200 STUDENTS PENNSYLVANIA - 1 SCHOOL, 300 STUDENTS TEXAS - 1 SCHOOL, 200 STUDENTS VIRGINIA - 3 SCHOOL, 400 STUDENTS WASHINGTON, DC - 13 SCHOOLS, 2800 STUDENTS BELOW ARE SAMPLES OF BUDDY BISON SCHOOL EVENTS IMPLEMENTED BY NPT: CALIFORNIA: MARCH 2013: NPT BROUGHT OVER 50 UNDER-SERVED YOUTH (TOTAL 100) FROM STEPHEN C. FOSTER ELEMENTARY TO THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA IN THOUSAND OAKS, CA WHERE THE CHILDREN WENT ON NATURE HIKES AND CONDUCTED OTHER ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ENGAGE THE CHILDREN IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTDOOR RECREATION. APRIL 2013: 70 STUDENTS FROM DEL SUR ELEMENTARY VISIT THE CALIFORNIA STATE POPPY RESERVE TO LEARN ABOUT THE WILDLIFE, PLANTS AND HISTORY OF THEIR COMMUNITY/PARK. MAY 2013: 150 2ND GRADERS FROM WALTER V. LONG ELEMENTARY VISITED LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA. THEY TOOK A RIDE ON A RIVER BOAT AND LEARNED ABOUT THE LAKE AND ITS SURROUNDING WILDLIFE. MAY 2013: 70 STUDENTS FROM COYOTE CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRAVELED TO MOJAVE DESERT NATIONAL PRESERVE TO LEARN ABOUT THE DESERT ECOSYSTEM AND HOW THE ANIMALS ARE ADAPTED TO THE UNIQUE TERRAIN. OCTOBER 2014: 100 STUDENTS FROM BAKER ELEMENTARY VISIT THE IVANPAH DESERT TORTOISE FACILITY TO HELP THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAUNCH THE HATCHING PROGRAM AND LEARN ABOUT THE ENDANGERED SPECIES. GEORGIA: FALL 2013: NPT WORKED ONCE AGAIN WITH HOLLYDALE ELEMENTARY (140 5TH GRADERS), MARIETTA BY VISITING KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK WHERE STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD AND THE LIFE OF A CIVIL WAR SOLDIER. THEN THEY HIKED UP THE STEEP MOUNTAIN AND SAW BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF MARIETTA AND ATLANTA AND STOWE MOUNTAIN. AN EDUCATION MODULE THAT MERGES OUR PARK PRESERVATION WORK WITH THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM WAS CREATED IN SUMMER OF 2012 AND IS CURRENTLY BEING USED FEATURING STEM ACTIVITIES. FALL 2013 AND 2014: FAIR OAKS ELEMENTARY VISIT KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLED PARK WITH 120 FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS. THEY HIKED THE MOUNTAIN AND LEARNED ABOUT THE BATTLE THAT OCCURRED DURING THE CIVIL WAR. SPRING 2015: M. AGNES JONES ELEMENTARY TOOK 120 THIRD GRADE STUDENTS TO SWEET WATER CREEK STATE PARK. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE WILDLIFE OF GEORGIA AND THE UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM AND GEOLOGICAL AREAS OF THE STATE. |
990 PART III, LINE 4A PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
ILLINOIS: APRIL 2013, MAY 2014 AND JUNE 2015: 30 STUDENTS FROM JOSE DE DIEGO COMMUNITY ACADEMY IN CHICAGO TRAVELED TO INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKE SHORE. THEY VISITED NUMEROUS UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS AT THE PARK AND HELP TO DEDICATE A NEW NATURAL PLAY AREA. OCTOBER 2013 AND APRIL 2014: 25 STUDENTS FROM JOSE DE DIEGO COMMUNITY ACADEMY IN CHICAGO WERE VISITED BY RANGERS FROM THE TRAILSIDE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN THEIR CLASSROOM. THEY STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE FOOD WEB AND PARTICIPATED IN LEARNING GAMES BASED AROUND THE NATURAL WORLD. INDIANA: APRIL 2013: TRIP PLANNED FOR 70 3RD GRADE STUDENTS FROM SOUTH CENTRAL ELEMENTARY, INDIANA TO ATTEND LOUISVILLE NATURE CENTER (KENTUCKY). THEY EXPLORED THE NATURE CENTER LEARNING ABOUT THE LOCAL WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEM. IOWA: FALL 2014: 60 STUDENTS FROM ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY PARTICIPATE IN OUR BUDDY BISON CARBON REDUCTION CONTEST. THEY TOOK 8 SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME. THEY COMPETED AGAINST 4 OTHER SCHOOLS TO WITH A PARK SCHOLARSHIP. LOUISIANA: MAY 2013: IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, 120 STUDENTS FROM ABRAMSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOOK PART IN THE 2013 BIO BLITZ. FEBRUARY 2014 AND FEBRUARY 2015: THIRTY 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM CHALMETTE ELEMENTARY PLANNED AND TOOK PART IN A RESTORATION PROJECT AT CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD IN NEW ORLEANS. THEY PLANNED ROUGHLY 100 TREES AND RECORDED DATA ON THEIR APPEARANCE, PLACEMENT, AND FOLIAGE. FALL 2014: 100 STUDENTS FROM CHALMETTE ELEMENTARY (3RD GRADE) PARTICIPATE IN OUR BUDDY BISON CARBON REDUCTION CONTEST. THEY TOOK 8 SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME. THEY COMPETED AGAINST 4 OTHER SCHOOLS TO WITH A PARK SCHOLARSHIP. MARYLAND: FALL AND SPRING 2013 & 2015: STUDENTS FROM ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA ACADEMY (BALTIMORE, MD) WENT CANOEING ON THE ANACOSTIA RIVER, PARTICIPATED IN THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL, AND SPENT SPRING BREAK AT HARPER'S FERRY, WV (THREE DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP). SPRING YEARLY - BULLIS STUDENTS (MD) WENT TO LOCUST GROVE TO DO A SERVICE PROJECT AND ALSO PARTICIPATED IN AN EVENT AT THE U.S. BOTANIC GARDENS. APRIL YEARLY - 85 STUDENTS FROM WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS (D.C.) AND HARMONY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (MD) VISITED THE PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE IN LAUREL MD TO LEARN ABOUT THE WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES THAT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE WORK TO PROTECT. SEPTEMBER 2013: BUDDY BISON (MASCOT) VISITED TIMONIUM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO "SPEAK" WITH THE STUDENTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND WHAT THEY CAN DO IN THEIR COMMUNITY. MAY 2013 - ST. ANDREWS FROM POTOMAC MD VISITED THE PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE TO LEARN ABOUT WILDLIFE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENDANGERED SPECIES. SEPTEMBER 2013-TO PRESENT - BEACON HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS COMPLETED SERVICE PROJECTS AT GLENRIDGE RECREATION CENTER THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. DURING THE 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR THEY VISITED THE PARK 3 TIMES COLLECTING TRASH, COLLECTING DATA ON ECOSYSTEM AND LEARNED ABOUT THE CHANGING SEASONS. OCTOBER 2014 - 250 STUDENTS FROM BEACON HEIGHTS EL, HARMONY HILLS ELEMENTARY VISIT THE SMITHSONIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM FOR NATIONAL FOSSIL DAY. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PARTNERED WITH MANY FEDERAL AGENCIES TO BRING RESOURCES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO BE PLACED ON DISPLAY FOR THE STUDENTS. JUNE 2014 & 2015 (YEARLY EVENT) - 200 STUDENTS FROM WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY (DC) CANOED ON THE ANACOSTIA RIVER AT BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK (MD). THIS WAS TO CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT AND TO EDUCATE THE STUDENTS ABOUT THE ANACOSTIA WATERSHED. MISSISSIPPI: OCTOBER 2013: FOREST ELEMENTARY (150 3RD GRADERS) VISITED A LOCAL LA FLEUR'S BLUFF STATE PARK AND MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE LOCAL REPTILES AND HIKED THE TRAILS IN THE STATE PARK. THEY ALSO LEARNED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF HUMANS ON THE ECOSYSTEM WHILE EXAMINING A WASTE SPILL SITE AT THE PARK. OCTOBER 2013: MOSS POINT ELEMENTARY (180 5TH GRADERS) VISITED THE PASCAGOULA RIVER AUDUBON CENTER AND EXPLORED THE MARSH BY BOAT. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE LOCAL WILDLIFE AND HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ECOSYSTEM. MAY 2015: KREOLE PRIMARY SCHOOL (130 3RD GRADERS) VISITED THE MISSISSIPPI SANDHILL CRANE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND LEARNED ABOUT THE ENDANGERED SPECIES AT THE PARK. MISSOURI: FALL 2014: 60 STUDENTS FROM BRIARCLIFF ELEMENTARY (3RD GRADE) PARTICIPATE IN OUR BUDDY BISON CARBON REDUCTION CONTEST. THEY TOOK 8 SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME. THEY COMPETED AGAINST 4 OTHER SCHOOLS TO WITH A PARK SCHOLARSHIP. NEW JERSEY: MAY 2013 - SEVENTY 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS VISITED ESTELL MANOR (MAYS LANDING, NJ). THEY LEARNED FROM THE NATURALIST ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PINE BARRENS AND ITS IMPORTANCE ON THE ECOSYSTEM. STUDENTS FROM THIS AREA (ATLANTIC CITY) STILL REMEMBER THE EFFECTS OF HURRICANE SANDY AND THEY SAW THE EFFECTS OF THE STORM ON THE PARK AND ECOSYSTEM. FALL 2014: 100 STUDENTS FROM RICHMOND AVENUE SCHOOL 4TH GRADE) PARTICIPATE IN OUR BUDDY BISON CARBON REDUCTION CONTEST. THEY TOOK 8 SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME. THEY COMPETED AGAINST 4 OTHER SCHOOLS TO WITH A PARK SCHOLARSHIP. NEW YORK: JULY/AUGUST 2014 & 2015: 30 STUDENTS FROM THE DARE2B PROGRAM IN NYC VISITED THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK, CENTRAL PARK & ZOO, AND GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA (JUG BAY) TO LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY OF THE PARKS, CONDUCTED SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS LEARNING ABOUT WATER FILTRATION AND SEDIMENT COMPOSITION, AND ALSO LEARNED ABOUT THE DIFFERENT CAREERS THAT HELP MANAGE AND PRESERVE PARKS. SEPTEMBER 2013: 45 5TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM BROOKLYN JESUIT PREP VISITED CLAY PIT PONDS STATE PARK IN STATEN ISLAND. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE NATIVE SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEM OF THE SWAMP. OREGON: SEPTEMBER 2014: 42 BUDDY BISON STUDENTS FROM THE FOSSIL CHARTER SCHOOL IN FOSSIL, OR VISITED CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK. 5TH - 12TH GRADERS TRAVELED 200 MILES FROM THE RURAL HIGH DESERT TO CAMP AT NEARBY DIAMOND LAKE AND EXPLORE THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF CRATER LAKE. THE 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS HIKED TO THE TOP OF WATCHMAN OVERLOOK, WHILE THE 7TH - 12TH GRADERS ENJOYED A 2-HOUR BOAT CRUISE FOR AN INTIMATE VIEW OF THIS ICONIC LANDSCAPE. THEY ALL LEARNED ABOUT THE REMARKABLE GEOLOGIC FORCES THAT RESULTED IN ITS CREATION. PENNSYLVANIA: OCTOBER 2013-2014: 100 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM CHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BARRY BRIDGE PARK TO CANOE IN 24FT VOYAGEUR CANOES. THEY EXPLORED THE LOCAL WATERWAYS AND LEARNED ABOUT THE WATERSHED. TEXAS: APRIL 2014: NPT STAFF EDUCATED THE PUBLIC ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR PLAY AND KIDS TO PARKS DAY AT EARTH DAY TEXAS (DALLAS). OVER 400 PEOPLE VISITED OUR BOOTH TO LEARN ABOUT OUR INITIATIVE. VIRGINIA: MARCH 2013 AND MARCH 2014 - NPT BROUGHT 70 4TH GRADE STUDENTS TO THE JAMESTOWN HISTORIC SETTLEMENT. THE STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE COLONIST VOYAGE OVER TO THE NEW WORLD AND THEIR FIRST YEARS AT JAMESTOWN. JUNE 2014-2015- 5TH AND 6TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM BUCKNELL ELEMENTARY AND WASHINGTON JESUIT PREP (120 STUDENTS) VISITED POTOMAC OVERLOOK PARK TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR RAPTOR REHAB PROGRAM, HIKE THE TRAILS AROUND THE PARK AND STOPPED AT A SMALL POND TO LEARN ABOUT FROGS AND OTHER AQUATIC LIFE. WASHINGTON, D.C.: PROGRAM IS YEARLY IN OCTOBER 2012 TO PRESENT: 1000 STUDENTS FROM LOCAL D.C. BUDDY BISON SCHOOLS CANOE ON THE ANACOSTIA RIVER WITH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND WILDERNESS INQUIRY. (STOKES PCS, BRENT ELEMENTARY, NEVAL THOMAS ELEMENTARY, EL HAYNES) 2013 120 STUDENTS FROM 2 WASHINGTON AREA SCHOOLS VISITED THE US NATIONAL ARBORETUM AND WASHINGTON YOUTH GARDEN. (WASHINGTON LATIN PCS AND BULLIS ELEMENTARY) MARCH 2013 TO PRESENT - STUDENTS FROM ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA ACADEMY IN BALTIMORE, MD TRAVELED TO THE NATIONAL MALL AND MONUMENTS. THEY LEARNED ABOUT US HISTORY BY DISCUSSING THE IMPORTANT PEOPLE THAT HELPED SHAPE OUR NATION AT THE MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS DEVOTED TO THEIR MEMORY. APRIL 2013 TO PRESENT - NPT BROUGHT 30 FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS FROM WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY TO ROCK CREEK PARK WHERE THEY LEARNED ABOUT THEIR LOCAL WILDLIFE AND STUDIED PLANETS AT THE ONLY PLANETARIUM IN A NATIONAL PARK. MAY 2013 - WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, NEVAL THOMAS ELEMENTARY, POTOMAC LIGHTHOUSE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL AND KIPP: WILL ACADEMY (250 STUDENTS TOTAL) VISITED THE US NATIONAL ARBORETUM AND WASHINGTON YOUTH GARDEN. THEY LEARNED ABOUT THE LOCAL PLANT LIFE AND WHAT IT TAKES FOR A GARDEN TO SUSTAIN ITSELF. MAY 2013 - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION, 120 STUDENTS FROM ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA ACADEMY VISIT FT. MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE TO CELEBRATE KIDS TO PARKS DAY WITH NFL PLAYER FROM THE BALTIMORE RAVENS AND NFLPA MEMBERS. |
990 PART III, LINE 4A PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
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|
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 |
NPT OFFERS MEMBERSHIPS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. MEMBERS RECEIVE NO BENEFITS, BUT ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE "NPT NEWS AND "BUDDY BISON BUZZ" ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS AND A PLUSH TOY. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 |
THE DRAFT 990 IS FIRST REVIEWED BY THE CFA AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ACCURACY AND CONTENT. PRIOR TO FILING, THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS PROVIDED A COPY OF THE FINAL FORM 990. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C |
EACH TRUSTEE AND OFFICER IS REQUIRED TO REVIEW A COPY OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, WHICH REQUIRES EACH PERSON TO DISCLOSE ANY RELATIONSHIPS, POSITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE OR SHE BELIEVES COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A CONFLICT. FOLLOWING FULL DISCLOSURE OF A POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS AND IF SO, THE BOARD SHALL VOTE TO AUTHORIZE OR REJECT THE TRANSACTION OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION DEEMED NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE CONFLICT AND PROTECT NPT'S BEST INTERESTS. THE TRUSTEE OR OFFICER WHO HAS THE CONFLICT IS RECUSED FROM ANY DISCUSSION AND VOTE. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 |
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AS WELL AS REVIEWS AND APPROVES COMPENSATION FOR OTHER SENIOR STAFF WHEN REQUESTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 |
THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C |
THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. |