UP, National Park Foundation forge partnership

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
image description

Union Pacific notes that its history with the U.S. National Parks system “started with the creation of iconic western parks like Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, when the railroad provided access to pristine landscapes that were otherwise virtually impossible to visit.”

UP notes it now has “a new commitment to help preserve our nation’s most unique and inspiring spaces”: As multi-year, $3 million partnership with the National Park Foundation for the Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement.

Kingsley Plantation at the Timucuan Preserve with Ranger Emily Palmer. Dawn Kish photo

“Union Pacific transported early park-goers to adventures out west,” said UP Senior Vice President Corporate Relations and Chief Administrative Officer Scott Moore. “Today, we deliver the goods Americans use every day to our nation’s busiest cities and quietest towns, passing through rugged, beautiful landscapes. We traverse America’s backyard, and we want the next generation to explore it.”

EKIP Program with Project WILD @ The Barataria Environmental Education Center at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. Dawn Kish photo

Through its partnership with the National Park Foundation, UP says it “will build on its legacy, encouraging young adventurers to explore America’s national parks. Our partnership supports the National Park Foundation’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, which connects kids to parks. Their support will provide national park experiences for thousands of students across the 23 states where we operate. National Park field trips encourage students to develop a sense of adventure while educating youth about science, history, conservation, and their role in protecting national and local treasures.”

Rock Climbing with the Knoxville Boys and Girls Club, Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. Dawn Kish photo

“If given the choice between reading about Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, or seeing the geyser and taking a breath of fresh, mountain air, there’s no comparison,” said Moore. “We want this partnership to cultivate lifelong connections between people and parks.”

“Union Pacific’s support enables kids across the country to explore their local national parks,” said National Park Foundation President Will Shafroth. “These National Park experiences are unforgettable and instill a desire to discover more.”

UP “encourages the younger generation and their families to visit www.findyourpark.com to explore what national parks and activities are in their own backyard. Over the coming months, we will highlight these beautiful landscapes, historic sites and cultural resources in a number of ways. Details will be published at www.up.com/ExploreAmericasBackyard and on the company’s social media channels using #ExploreAmericasBackyard, #FindYourPark and #EncuentraTuParque. In the meantime, grab a camera and go explore – no suitcase or train ticket required.”

 

Tags: , ,