Shenandoah National Park Trust 2016 Funding Priorities

Accomplished with Partner Support in 2015:

116 UNDERSERVED YOUTH from five states spent day trips or week-long summer camps in your park

LIMBERLOST TRAIL received new

wheelchair accessible bridge and converted into a family adventure trail

2016

FUNDING PRIORITIES FIELD GUIDE

$115,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

PARK TRUST

SHE NAN DOA H NAT ION AL

work completed at the Pinnacles Research Station a Civilian Conservation Corps-era facility

3.4375"

1,028 NATIVE TREES AND GRASSES planted in the park, complementing ongoing work to fight invasive pests and plants

The Shenandoah National Park Trust is the official philanthropic partner of Shenandoah National Park and an official partner of the National 3.5" 3.5" Park Service.

For information about the Trust and opportunities to partner with your park, contact Jessica Green at (434) 293-2728 or jgreen@snptrust.org.

www.snptrust.org

PRESERVE Forest Health: Invasive plants degrade wildlife habitat, and the park has seen destruction caused by non-native insects. This multi-year project funds efforts to combat both issues.

Research Grant: Shenandoah is a premier “living laboratory.” Each year the Trust awards a research grant to help deepen our understanding of these 200,000 acres.

Pinnacles Restoration: Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic building supports 700 visiting researchers and volunteer annually. The restoration is being completed in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s HOPE Crew.

CONNECT TRACK Trail: The TRACK Trails program turns existing trails into family-friendly adventures by providing sensory activities for children. We’re establishing a 3rd TRACK trail in 2016.

The Edge Fund: Actions outside the park’s boundary can have serious repercussions inside the park. The Edge Fund invests in initiatives outside the park that will benefit the park in the long run.

ENHANCE

Step by Step: Alongside Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters, this project introduces youth to the park by first bringing a Ranger to their neighborhood. Step 2 is a day-trip to the park for a hike, and step 3 culminates with an overnight camping trip.

Robert Jacobsen Employee Development Fund: This fund allows park employees to pursue trainings in career-enhancing areas. Past trainings ranged from wildland fire safety to management and leadership.

Expert in Residence Fund: This fund enables park employees to engage outside experts when needed. For example: the park engaged an expert to assess the restoration viability of historic assets.

Bike Repair Stations: These stations will be installed at Elkwallow, Skyland, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain. Cyclists will have access to tools for basic repairs and maintenance for their ride along Skyline Drive.

Trail Maintenance Volunteer Coordinator: With over 500 miles of trails to maintain, and hundreds of volunteers to manage, the park staff is in urgent need of a dedicated staff person to execute core trail work in collaboration with park trails leadership, and build the infrastructure to support year-round projects for volunteers.

Ticket to Ride: Without field trips, students miss experiences to explore and apply their learning to the real world. This program ensures over 1,500 students each year can explore their national park.

Centennial Youth Concerts: Inspired by a trip to their park, students will work with professional song writers to translate their experiences into art.

Hawksbill Observation Platform Restoration: As our signature Centennial project, we will restore the platform at the park’s highest peak, and replace missing bronze plaques that were stolen.

EDUCATE

Youth Summer Camps: Summer camps bring urban youth to the park for a week where they hike, play, and learn about their national park alongside Rangers, and undertake a service project.

Artist in Residence: Artists are given a chance to live and work in the park’s exceptional environment, conducting public programs and donating a piece of art for use by the park.

Youth Service Corps: Young adults will work side-by-side with Park Rangers to assist with the restoration of the Hawksbill Observation Platform.

Teacher-Ranger-Teacher: These teachersturned-Rangers spend a summer in Shenandoah developing new educational programs for park visitors. This year’s focus is the history of the establishment of Shenandoah National Park.

National Park Internships: To develop the next generation of Rangers, we will support four park interns. These college-age and recent graduates receive training in public speaking, first aid, search and rescue, and front-line experience as a Park Ranger.

The Shenandoah National Park Trust is an official partner of the National Park Service.

Photos provided by the National Park Service