You are here

Home » National Park Foundation Loses Its Honorary Chairperson

National Park Foundation Loses Its Honorary Chairperson

Share

Published Date

January 21, 2009

How interested in national parks is First Lady Michelle Obama?

The departure of George and Laura Bush from Washington left a hole at the top of the National Park Foundation.

Laura Bush, you see, had been the foundation's honorary chairperson. In fact, she actually approached the foundation about serving in that role. In recent years we've heard quite a bit about Mrs. Bush and her love for the national parks, about how she had a long tradition of going hiking with friends in a national park just about every year.

Mrs. Bush used her role as First Lady to bring attention to the parks in a number of ways. She frequently spoke out in favor of the Junior Ranger Program, traveled to Zion National Park just to rededicate the park's nature center, and played a key role at the foundation's Leadership Summit on national park philanthropy and partnerships.

And, of course, Mrs. Bush was behind the decision in 2007 to have the White House Christmas tree decorated with ornaments designed with scenes from across the National Park System.

Will Mrs. Obama follow Mrs. Bush as honorary chair of the foundation? That's hard to say at this point, but it'd certainly be nice to have another parks champion who is that close to the president.

By the way, the National Park Foundation was established by Congress in 1967. It is still the only organization engaged in national grant making to support the national parks. NPF raises private funds (there being no federal appropriations) and uses them to make strategic grants, create innovative partnerships, and increase public awareness of parks and park programs. The list of corporate donors is headed by heavy hitters like American Airlines, Ford Motor Company, and Unilever, but individual contributions go a long way too.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bugsyshallfall on January 21, 2009 - 12:29pm.

Wait.......so Mrs. Bush was trying to help the NPS while her husband was slowly destroying it? I am confused, how much good did she do and how much did she influcence her husband?


Submitted by Barky on January 21, 2009 - 7:16pm.

No kidding. First I've heard of this. I guess her absence from NPS issues puts her above her husband on the Success-O-Meter: she didn't leave any mark at all, while her husband left a big stain.

====================================================

My travels through the National Park System: americaincontext.com


Submitted by admin on January 21, 2009 - 7:21pm.

Are you sure she's not continuing in the position? There's no press release on NPF's website, and there's no reason a former first lady can't be the honorary chair of a foundation.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.