Parks for Mitigation is an innovative pilot project begun by NRPA with Angler Environmental NRPA and Angler have been working together to develop a pilot project creating stream mitigation banks on public parklands in the MD, VA, and DC region that, if successful, will serve as a model for other park agencies across the country. Read more

In this month’s Parks & Recreation cover story, agency leaders discuss how their programs and facilities fit into NRPA’s three pillars—conservation, health and wellness, and social equity.  But above all, the pillars are a communications strategy, so how are these agencies communicating those priorities to the public and policymakers?  Managing Editor Elizabeth Beard takes a look at how three agencies are using the pillars messaging in three very different ways.  Read more

With Earth Week here we know many of you are celebrating with events and other activities that engage your community in conservation. This is phenomenal! You know, NRPA believes that core to the mission of public parks and recreation is the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of good conservation and stewardship practices – this is one of our “Three Pillars.” And this isn’t just during this week or just in April, we know you are taking the lead and making a difference in conservation all year long. But you know, sometimes you need a little conservation inspiration. Ideas to help get the "green" in you going. What better way than by giving you a glimpse of how one agency did something creative to lead a conservation initiative in their community this past year.  The following story comes from Mitchell Murdock, Natural Areas Manager of the Chicago Park District, Department of Natural Resources. Mitch shares how and why the Chicago Park District conducted a native "plant rescue" and also provides key ways to make an event like this a success. We hope this innovative idea helps sparks the spirit of conservation in you all year long. Read more

With children spending more time indoors than out, park and recreation agencies are stepping up to reverse this trend and are helping to connect kids to nature through the 10 Million Kids Outdoors campaign.  But as agency budgets shrink you've got to find low-cost, but effective, methods of connecting kids to environmental programming. Check out this creative list of solutions straight from park and recreation agencies making it work!  Read more

We know the statistics. Kids are spending eight hours or more in front of screens each day. The number of children in the U.S. who are obese has doubled in the last decade. But, parks and recreation can change all that, together, by getting more kids spending more time outdoors. The 10 Million Kids Outdoors campaign is poised to help and we've got great reasons why you should participate too! Read more

In this guest blog post, Jessica Jones, program coordinator for National Public Lands Day, takes NRPA members through the many benefits of hosting volunteer events in conjunction with National Public Lands Day on Sept. 29. Read on and tell us your thoughts about attracting volunteers to your public lands!   Read more

For the past 18 months, the media has counted down the days to the planned closure of up to 70 of California’s state parks on July 1, 2012.  Well, Doomsday has arrived, but in a somewhat surprising turn of events,virtually all of the parks slated to close remain open. Almost unnoticed in stories about the unfolding crisis of the California State Park system are the employees of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Rich Dolesh provides insight on these unsung heroes.    Read more

A year ago, NRPA put up a couple of bluebird nest boxes at headquarters. Vice President for Conservation and Parks, Rich Dolesh, provides a look at how these boxes have played an important role in conservation of wildlife fledging five beautiful young bluebirds and now a family of tree swallows.  Read more to see how nest boxes might be a great conservation project for you.   Read more

With the coming observance of Earth Day on April 22, this week you may want to take some time to think and reflect on the role of parks and recreation in conservation and sustainability. Perhaps you’ll take this as an opportunity to set some conservation goals for yourself and your agency. Read more

If you have kids, you may have taken them to see the new Dr. Seuss movie, The Lorax, this weekend. I have a six-year old daughter and we caught the matinee showing of this inspirational “movie with a message” on Sunday. Read more