| National Association of State Park Directors

Special Programs

  • Hearts of STIHL Grant

    STIHL Inc. announced the expansion of the Hearts of STIHL program, an initiative to care for the environment through the preservation of our nation’s state parks. Inspired by the staff of America’s State Parks, the mission of Hearts of STIHL is to help those people and programs that are caring for the national treasures that are our America’s State Parks, and preserve them for the enjoyment of all Americans, current and future. The 2023 Hearts of STIHL program will provide a $20,000 g...

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  • First Day Hikes

    First Day Hikes Another year of First Day Hikes has come and gone. This year was filled with guided activities from coast to coast and included sunrise hikes, hikes on new trails, polar plunges, horseback rides, bike rides, paddles, and so much more! If you joined us for an activity this year, thank you for starting the New Year off on the right foot. This year we had 1339 guided hikes and other activities held. Over 66,000 participants joined us on First Day Hike events and 138,924 miles were...

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    First Day HikesPetit Jean State Park, AR
  • Capital Campouts

    Heron Lake State Park – New Mexico June marks America’s official Great Outdoors Month! In recent years it has been sanctioned by a proclamation signed by the President and all 50 State Governors. In support of this celebration, the President and several State Governors began hosting Capital Campouts. Thousands of kids and their families have participated in memorable camping experiences. It is sure to spark a passion for the great outdoors in individuals who would otherwise never have the ...

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    Capital Campouts
  • Children In Nature

    Plan for Action THE CRISIS The way children understand and experience their natural world has changed radically over the past several decades. Their physical contact and intimacy with the natural outdoors has diminished greatly. Their inability to connect with nature is now recognized as a national issue of concern. There is speculation that the loss of a child/nature connection threatens their independent judgment, their value of place, their ability to feel awe and wonder, their sense of stew...

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  • Let’s Camp America

    Simply stated, America’s State Parks have over 250,000 reasons to say, “LET’S CAMP AMERICA!” That’s right, there are 10,336 state park areas across 50 states with 241,255 campsites and 9,457 cabins waiting for you. Plus with over 40,000 miles of trails, countless miles of waterways and rivers on 18.6 million acres, America’s State Parks offer endless outdoor recreation to people of all ages. The America’s State Parks LET’S CAMP AMERICA! is an initiative to promote camping in St...

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    Let’s Camp America graphic
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    Our Efforts

    The mission of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health, and economy.

    State park systems can stimulate each state's economy through tourism, relocation, recreation, and even air-quality for nearby residents. Outdoor recreation can reduce juvenile crime, promote closeness within families, and build community involvement. Spending time in state parks promotes exercise, good health, inspiration, self-realization, and life enrichment. Supporting state park systems ensures that natural and cultural resources are preserved for the next generation. Children growing up in a culture of smart phones and computers can benefit greatly from spending time outdoors in state parks.

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    Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA

    Meet Our Partners

    Aspira
    Aspira
    Stihl
    Stihl