The goals of Vermont Parks Forever are ambitious: to improve park nature centers so people can better understand and appreciate the outdoors, to increase park access for communities that are underserved and underrepresented, and to create educational opportunities that inspire a new generation of environmentalists.

To meet these goals, we are raising funds and investing in innovative projects that make our parks more accessible and connect our visitors to the natural world in a deep, sustained way. Working in conjunction with the long-range plans of the Vermont State Parks System, we’re focusing on three priorities:

Improving Access for Communities That Are Underserved and Underrepresented

Access to our state parks plays an important role in the health and well being of all Vermonters. The state works to provide access, particularly to communities that are underserved and underrepresented, but even modest user fees can create a barrier. By funding parks enhancements, Vermont Parks Forever helps provide innovative, inspiring outdoor experiences that all visitors can enjoy, while minimizing impact on user fees.

Inspiring Stewardship of Natural Places

Children today spend less time in the outdoors than any generation before. And if they don’t make a connection with nature now, they will be less inclined to protect our natural places in the future. Vermont Parks Forever helps people of all ages to connect with the natural world, promoting personal wellness and inspiring active stewardship of the land.

Providing Innovative Educational Experiences

For some visitors, parks are a first step into the wilderness, and a first chance to learn about the outdoors. Others visit parks to deepen their knowledge. Vermont Parks Forever helps create learning opportunities that foster curiosity and build strong, lasting relationships between visitors and the natural world. As we do this, we help preserve the historic structures in our parks and share their stories with a new generation of learners.