Ranger Betty National Park Pass

Every year on my birthday I am reminded that it’s time to renew my annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands visitors pass. The America The Beautiful pass gives me entry into most national parks and monuments across the country. It’s a gift I give to myself to assure the protection and preservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage. I make it a point to mark the occasion by offering a matching gift to my community of a free pass to anyone who can use one but may not, for whatever reason, purchase one for themselves. The only catch is that person must be nominated by someone else. This year The Joy Trip Project 4th annual National Park Pass Giveaway is dedicated to the enduring service of National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin who turns 102 years young today!

Nominations to receive this gift will be open until October 18, 2023. The recipients will be announced on November 1, 2023.

Equitable access to nature has been a defining principle of my entire career. For many years as an educator and a journalist I have helped to shape the thinking of those across the country who may have never realized they’d had it backwards: preserving the wild places where they love to recreate hinges not on their ability to freely enjoy these areas, but rather on the capacity of everyone to protect them as well. I believe that my access to nature can only be preserved if I encourage all people to love the outdoors as much as I do. So, in the spirit of removing barriers to access I want help others identify those around them who might enjoy a year of national park experiences if only they had free admission.

Ranger Betty is an inspiring public figure who has dramatically impacted the way that the National Park Service manages the interpretation of our historic sites and monuments. Having helped to plan and create the Rosie The Riveter/World War II Homefront National Historic Park in Richmond, California, she has directly influenced the priorities of preservation that have been redefined to now include the lived experiences of marginalized figures such as people of color, women, immigrants, the disabled and those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. By telling accurate stories of our cultural identity that are diverse, equitable and inclusive we can inspire everyone to feel welcomed and encouraged to protect our shared national heritage. A free National Park Pass is a great place to start.

To make a nomination, your prospective recipient must be at least 18 years of age. Provide us with their name, a way to contact them and a brief explanation of why you want them to receive this gift. Your nominee cannot be an immediate family member or reside in the same household. Embrace the spirit of this gift and nominate someone you know who would most benefit from a direct relationship with their public land and national historic landmarks.