Shenandoah National Park Trust: Celebrating Shenandoah’s 75th Anniversary and Other Projects

Shenandoah National Park Trust current funding priorities:

Planning for the 75th Anniversary: In July 1936, Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially dedicated Shenandoah National Park. To commemorate the 75h anniversary of the dedication in 2011, a year-long celebration is in the works. The planning committee comprises representatives from the national park and its nonprofit partner groups (including the Trust), tourism bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, and city and county governments across Virginia. A successful 75th anniversary celebration will benefit not only the national park, but also its gateway communities, including Charlottesville/Albemarle, because a high percentage of people who visit the park also visit—and spend money in—its surrounding towns and counties.




Healthy Air Trail: Air pollution is a serious issue in Shenandoah. Emissions from power plants and industries blow into the park and deposit on the land and water. The pollution is affecting air quality, visibility, native fish and vegetation. On “bad air days,” it also can jeopardize the health of some park visitors. Few park visitors are aware of the scientific study taking place in the park at its air quality monitoring station. Creating a trail surrounding the station will provide scientists with an opportunity to educate visitors on the data they are collecting and what they mean, and to discuss what we can do to improve air quality.


Teacher-Ranger-Teacher: This program brings educators into the park for two consecutive summers, where they work with Park Rangers to prepare and present educational programs. Back in their classrooms, they share their experiences with their students and colleagues. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the national park as a “living classroom” and an excellent chance to begin educating the next generation of national park stewards.



You can support these projects with a secure online donation at www.snptrust.org or send your gift to Shenandoah National Park Trust, 414 E. Market Street, Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22902.