As millions of gallons of crude oil continue to flow into the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe, the National Park Foundation is mounting a campaign to raise money to help national park units affected by the disaster.

So far the only impact the parks along the Gulf Coast -- Padre Island National Seashore, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, De Soto National Memorial, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Biscayne National Park -- have reported are some tar balls coming ashore at one of the islands that make up Gulf Islands.

Still, with no end in sight to this disaster, the parks will truly be fortunate if no other impacts are reported. With that in mind, the National Park Foundation has launched a drive for its National Parks Disaster Recovery Fund.

The oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is affecting and threatening some of our most precious eco-systems, wildlife and landscapes – including our national parks. From Gulf Islands National Seashore to the Everglades, some of our beloved national parks are at risk.

You can help. Give to the “National Parks Disaster Recovery Fund” online or by texting “PARKS” to 90999 on your mobile phone by July 1st. Your money will go DIRECTLY to the parks impacted by the Gulf oil spill.*

Each year our national parks suffer devastating events. From floods to fires, hurricanes to tornadoes, earthquakes to oil spills, our national parks are vulnerable from catastrophes both natural and man-made. By giving to the National Park Foundation’s “National Parks Disaster Recovery Fund” you can now support our parks when they need it most – providing immediate assistance, as well as helping in sustained recovery efforts.

This is your land. Help our national parks of the Gulf region, and all of our parks, in their moments of need.

* Funds raised between now and July 1st will go to National Park Service efforts in the Gulf Coast region including park enhancements, education and environmental monitoring. No funds will go towards mitigating BP’s responsibilities.