Washington's National Park Fund Monthly Newsletter

NEW DONOR CORNER

Craig Holmquist, Operations Manager at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve (NPS) on Whidbey Island, is known to be an ethical and committed overseer of public lands. Over the past few years, he's overseen the painstaking efforts of preserving and enhancing the Jacob Ebey house (built in 1855), pictured here.

Prior to his work with Ebey's Landing, Craig served as Trails Foreman up at North Cascades National Park where he oversaw the maintenance and repair of the nearly 400 miles of trails throughout the Park. Some have said that Craig is "...the most important trail designer you'll ever meet." (Craig would, of course, defer to many of his colleagues that he's had the good fortune to work with.)

Washington's National Park Fund's newest donors are so inspired by Craig's good works that they recently gave a gift in his honor. "Craig sticks to his principles which is something I strongly admire," new donor Sally Cahill stated recently. "I really admire his adherence to the concept of 'wilderness ethics.' He believes in the adage 'take only pictures and leave only footprints' and encourages others to do the same."

It is because of this commitment to wilderness ethics that Tom and Sally Cahill, along with Washington's National Park Fund Board President, Donovan Rafferty, are paying tribute to Craig by giving a gift to North Cascades National Park's 2013 Youth Programs.

How did Craig get his start in the National Park Service? Through the Student Conservation Association, of course. What he learned years ago from SCA is now being passed on to the NEXT generation of passionate parks people.

"Hats off to YOU, Craig Holmquist, for caring about the preservation of trails, lands, and historical structures.

In your honor, Washington's National Park Fund is directing the gifts from Tom, Sally, and Donovan to the North Cascades National Park Youth Programs!"

Dear Friends:

If you've been a part of the growing number of donors to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks through Washington's National Park Fund, here's a SAMPLING of what you've helped to create:

New watering tanks that are KEY in the revegetation process at

Mount Rainier National Park

A new ranger station at Glacier Meadows in Olympic National Park

A new volunteer shelter at Marblemount in North Cascades National Park

New youth programs at all three parks * Ongoing investments in trail maintenance

Additional funds for equipment and training for the parks'

Search and Rescue (SAR) programs

More research of marmots, fishers, elk, bear, and fisheries underway

Increased native plants being replanted * Scholarships for advanced SAR training for park rangers

The list goes on, and on, and on. Over the past five years, Washington's National Park Fund has given more than $1.4 million to these parks. This money allows our beloved National Parks to prioritize these four core areas:

* Focusing on Science and Research of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) by funding research projects

* Improving Visitor Experiences by enhancing trails and campgrounds, supporting the parks' Search and Rescue efforts, and improving signage and shelters throughout the parks

* Expanding Volunteer Programs by strengthening the parks' ability to bring in more volunteers who serve as "Meadow Rovers", help with trail maintenance, and plant seedlings in precious places

* Strengthening Youth Programs that are creating the next generation of Passionate Parks People

How is all of this money generated? Through these programs:

* License Plate Program that generated more than $120,000 last year. And this is thanks to the more than 4,400 individuals who have National Park plates in Washington State!

* Guest Lodge Donation Programs up in the parks. When guests check into one of the parks' lodges (i.e., Paradise Inn, National Park Inn, Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, Sol Duc Hot SpringsResort, and the Lodge at Stehekin), more than 95% say "yes" when asked if they'd like to give a gift back

* Spring Dinner and Auction that comes around each year (Mark your calendar for April 12, 2013!)

* Year-End Support that generates thousands of dollars each year from individuals like you

* Estate Gifts that are on the rise; more people are including Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks in their wills

* Corporate and Foundation Support from our friends at Starbucks, Outdoor Research, Clatter and Din, BES Events, and The McKibben-Merner Family Foundation (to name a few)

All of this happens because people like you care deeply. These parks continue to both need and deserve our support; please give at this special time of year. And thanks to everyone who's been a part of the $1.4 million given over the past five years!

Very Sincerely,

Donovan Rafferty, Board President Laurie Ward, Executive Director

A big welcome goes out to Washington's National Park Fund's newest Board Members!

Cleve Pinnix; retired National Park Service employee and all-around hero

Jeannette Privat; Supervisor, Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center at the Redmond Library

Dana Visser; Senior Instructional Designer, Liberty Mutual Surety

Get To Know Washington's National Park Fund's Focus Areas


Washington's National Park Fund is committed to providing funding for studies focused on caring for, and learning about, the flora (plants) and fauna (animals) of the parks. These two elements are two key components of what makes each park beautiful and unique.	Projects geared toward trail maintenance, improved informational and directional signage, and ongoing park education are not only important to Washington's National Park Fund, but also a priority for each park.


Strengthening volunteer and stewardship programs throughout each park by funding programs that encourage engagement in each park is an invaluable investment in the parks' futures. In Mount Rainier National Park alone, 20,000 hours of volunteer time help complete projects that aren't at the top of the priority list, and could go uncompleted for years.	As the next generation of park stewards, programs aimed at bringing more youth and families into the parks is a priority for WNPF. These programs will teach new park lovers to both care for and find true enjoyment in the beautiful spaces of our parks.

Want to Make a Donation Today?
Click here!

P.O. Box 64626

University Place, WA 98464

253-566-4644