On August 19, Apple announced an initiative to boost support for America’s national parks.
From now until August 25, the tech giant will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made with Apple Pay through its stores.
Essentially, when you shop at the Apple Store, in the App Store, or on apple.com using Apple Pay, a portion of your purchase will go towards stewardship and programming for the country’s national parks — up to a maximum of $1 million.
“For eight years, Apple has engaged customers in support for the NPF as part of the company’s long-standing efforts to protect and connect communities to America’s national parks,” a press release from Apple stated.
This initiative celebrates the 108th birthday of the U.S. National Park Service and comes alongside the rollout of a number of new national park tech features.
Apple has already shared content and resources across its platforms highlighting national parks, including a “Nature Awaits” playlist on Apple Music, which according to the press release, is also now playing in retail stores across the country.
And immediately following this philanthropic project, on August 25, the company will kick off its annual National Parks Apple Watch Activity Challenge, in which users can earn limited-edition awards and stickers to use in Messages by recording any workout that lasts 20 minutes or more.
Perhaps most exciting, however, is that this fall, Apple Maps will roll out new features to browse thousands of hikes and adventures across the country’s 429 national park sites.
Alongside 30 Apple Maps Guides curated by the NPF, the app will soon offer users the ability to filter maps by length, elevation, and route type, all while following “turn-by-turn guidance.”
iPhone users can also explore topographic maps and build custom routes tailored to their own preferences, such as a steep climb or a leisurely walk. According to Apple, all national park hikes and custom routes can be saved in Apple Maps and accessed offline without service or Wi-Fi.
“Every time I visit a national park, I’m struck by their extraordinary beauty and incredibly rich history,” Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said in a statement.
“We’re proud to partner with the NPF to help preserve these natural treasures that inspire so many people. Their important work helps ensure that future generations will be able to experience that same sense of awe, wonder, and reverence for the planet we call home.”
Apple’s impact on the future of national parks
Apple’s support for the NPF funds a number of programs that help steward and preserve these treasured landmarks, but they are also vital in STEM programming that helps visitors and students learn and explore.
This includes funding the EcoLogik Institute, which supports youth interested in science, engineering, and innovation as they relate to the NPS.
A recent EcoLogik summer camp offered apprenticeships and on-the-ground work experiences in natural resources and science career fields, especially for young, diverse talent who often face barriers to exploring nature, according to Apple’s press release.
“EcoLogik has given me an amazing community,” 17-year-old EcoLogik camper Addison Shapiro said. “I’ve made so many lifelong friends and met inspiring women in STEM who have not only broadened my perspective, but also motivated me to pursue a career in the life sciences.”
While the preservation of the parks is important, so is nourishing the future generation that will grow to take care of them.
“By investing in the interest and passion of young women and girls who want to explore careers in STEM, we can empower them to become the next generation of environmental stewards,” Will Shafroth, president and CEO of NPF, said.
“The EcoLogik Institute’s project is proof that when we nurture a love of science, provide access to national parks, and equip young women… with the tools to succeed, they will see their potential come to life. With the support of Apple, together we’re creating a future where every girl can see herself as the next scientist, park ranger, and other endless aspirations.”
Header image courtesy of NPS/Damon Joyce and Apple
