National Park Service Launches New Passport Program for National Parks
The National Park Service has just announced the launch of a new passport program that will allow visitors to collect stamps from national parks across the country. The program, called the “Passport for National Parks,” is designed to encourage people to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the United States through its national parks.
The passport program works by providing visitors with a special passport booklet that contains pages for each of the 423 national parks in the United States. Visitors can obtain a stamp at each national park they visit, either by visiting the park’s visitor center or ranger station. The stamps feature unique designs that are specific to each park, making them a fun and collectible souvenir for visitors to take home.
“We are thrilled to launch the Passport for National Parks program,” said National Park Service Director David Vela. “This program will not only provide visitors with a fun and interactive way to explore our national parks, but it will also help to raise awareness of the incredible natural and cultural resources that our parks have to offer.”
In addition to collecting stamps, visitors who participate in the passport program will also have the opportunity to earn rewards and incentives for visiting multiple parks. For example, visitors who collect stamps from 10 parks will receive a special commemorative pin, while those who collect stamps from 50 parks will receive a certificate of achievement. The program also includes a leaderboard feature on the National Park Service website, where visitors can track their progress and see how they rank compared to other participants.
The Passport for National Parks program is part of the National Park Service’s broader efforts to increase visitation and engagement with national parks. In recent years, the National Park Service has seen a decline in visitation, particularly among younger generations. The passport program is designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors, from families with children to avid outdoor enthusiasts.
“We believe that the Passport for National Parks program will help to inspire a new generation of park enthusiasts,” said Vela. “By providing visitors with a tangible and interactive way to connect with our national parks, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for these treasured landscapes and historic sites.”
The passport program is now available for purchase at national park visitor centers and online through the National Park Service website. The passport booklet costs $5, with proceeds going to support the National Park Service’s conservation and preservation efforts. Visitors can also download a digital version of the passport app for free, which allows them to collect stamps on their mobile devices.
“We are excited to see how visitors embrace the Passport for National Parks program,” said Vela. “We hope that this program will not only encourage more people to visit our national parks, but also to engage with them in a meaningful and unforgettable way.”
So, whether you’re a seasoned national park enthusiast or a first-time visitor, be sure to pick up a Passport for National Parks and start collecting stamps from America’s most iconic and beautiful landscapes. It’s a fun and rewarding way to explore the wonders of our national parks and make memories that will last a lifetime.
