April 19-April 27 is earmarked as National Park Week, and Outer Banks Forever – the official nonprofit partner of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial – is offering several ways for visitors and residents to mark the occasion.
“At Outer Banks Forever, we’re here to help connect you to meaningful ways you can support our parks as they face challenges like adapting to a changing coastline, preserving the many historic structures they manage, and working through budget and staffing cuts at a time when they continue to experience high levels of visitors,” stated Director Bryan Burhans in an email to Outer Banks Forever supporters.
“Today, we encourage you to give back to these special places that have given us so much. By making a gift to our Parks Forever Fund, you will help our national parks adapt to immediate needs as they arise and create a sustainable way to address longer-term needs.”
The Parks Forever Fund supports a range of initiatives, which include the following:
- Education and preservation through internships that engage our next generation in protecting our parks and the stories they tell, increasing our parks’ capacity to provide amazing experiences for you and your loved ones.
- Restoration and conservation of our unique barrier islands through much-needed invasive plant species removal.
- Enhancing the park visitor experience by funding projects that address the needs of visitors of all ages and abilities, so everyone can learn about and enjoy the rich history and beauty of these places.
“We know how much you love our Outer Banks national parks and that you have cherished memories from your time here,” stated Burhans. “We hope you will continue your impact on these inspiring places and leave a legacy in the Outer Banks by giving to our Parks Forever Fund.”
In addition, the public can also thank the park rangers, staff, and volunteers for the work they do every day throughout the Outer Banks’ parks by sending a “Thank you” message online.
To share a favorite Outer Banks national park memory, how park rangers, staff, and volunteers have impacted your visit, or how the parks have made a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones, click here.
For more information on Outer Banks Forever and their continual programs to support the parks, click here.
