7 Easy Ways to Support National Parks & Forests in WA State

ByMeeshka Updated on

Looking for ways to support Washington’s national parks and forests?

These wild spaces need us more than ever. March 1st’s national day of action was powerful, with thousands showing up on just two days’ notice. But protecting them will take more than a single day.

After countless inspiring moments in the Olympics, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades, I know how deeply these parks transform the people who explore them. But I’ve also seen the impact of overcrowding, like overflowing garbage bins on weekends during peak season.

➥ From donating to national parks to sharing a post or picking up trash, here are 7 easy ways to help—no matter how busy you are.

Short on time?

✔ Donate – Even $5/month to Washington’s National Park Fund supports conservation efforts at all three national parks.

✔ Contact Lawmakers – A weekly call or email shows that we’re a committed constituency that won’t be ignored. Send a quick message directly to our representatives using this form.

How to Support National Parks & Forests in Washington

Here’s how you can help protect our national parks and forests, starting today!

A sign in support of national parks with bold red letters on a yellow background reads, "OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK NOT FOR SALE." The handmade protest sign is taped to a wooden board and is placed in front of Kalaloch Beach. The image conveys a message advocating for the protection of public lands.
Kalaloch Beach web cam on March 1st

1. Follow Resistance Accounts on Social Media & Share Their Posts

Not all park advocacy groups can take a strong political stance—but resistance accounts can, and they do.

These organizations push back against harmful policies, organize protests, demand immediate action, and fight for public lands.

Even if you don’t have time for direct action, following and sharing their posts helps amplify their message and puts pressure on lawmakers.

Follow These Accounts:

A group of protesters advocating for the protection of public lands gathers on a sidewalk near the entrance sign for North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The large brown sign features mountain illustrations and park names, while an American flag is draped over its base. People of various ages, some holding signs, stand in the sunshine against a backdrop of mountains, trees, and a shopping center.
Photo credit Craig Romano

March 1st was proof of the power of resistance, with over 10,000 people showing up at national parks to protest the firing of essential park and forest staff. 

My heart swelled as I watched videos and photos from across the country.

2. Join a Park Friends Group & Become a Supporting Member

Park Friends Groups provide direct support for national parks by helping with trail restoration, supporting rangers programs, educating the public, and so much more.

I became a paying Friends of Olympic National Park member in 2024 with annual dues of just $25 per year. It’s a small price to support the park, receive their newsletters, and learn about volunteering opportunities, like cleaning the gardens at the visitor center in Port Angeles.

You can join more than one! Many join multiple Friends Groups across the country, supporting parks they love, whether they visit regularly or not.

TIP: Find a Friends Group by searching “Friends of + Your Favorite Park” or check the park’s official website.

3. Donate to National Parks or Park Advocacy Organizations

Funding is one of the most powerful ways to protect national parks and forests. Many advocacy organizations work year-round to fight for stronger protections, push for better park funding, and support conservation efforts—but they rely on members and donors to keep going.

A group of four people, including three individuals in National Park Service uniforms and one in casual attire, pose for a photo at an indoor event. The person in the middle, wearing a light blue patterned shirt, stands with his hands clasped while the others smile beside him. In the background, a crowd of attendees mingles near tables with displays and refreshments, suggesting a professional or community gathering related to national parks.
Washington’s National Park Fund CEO Steve Dubiel (center left) with park superintendents, Don Striker, Sula Jacobs & Greg Dudgeon. Photo credit WNPF

If you want to make a direct impact, join or donate to:

  • Washington’s National Park Fund – The official fundraising partner for Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks, supporting trail restoration, ranger programs, and habitat conservation.
  • Olympic Park Advocates – Works to protect Olympic National Park and its surrounding ecosystem, advocating for strong conservation policies.
  • North Cascades Institute – Connects people to the North Cascades through educational outdoor experiences that inspire environmental stewardship.
  • Washington Trails Association – The leading organization for trail maintenance, hiker advocacy, and volunteer mobilization across Washington’s public lands, including national parks and forests.  
  • National Parks Conservation Association – A leading national organization fighting for stronger park protections, stopping harmful legislation, and securing funding for public lands.

Don’t hesitate to give a small donation if that’s what your budget allows. If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could fund real change.

Even if you can’t donate, get on their email list to stay updated on other ways to take action.

TIP: Consider becoming a monthly sustainer. Consistent support makes a bigger impact than a one-time donation by giving these organizations reliable funding to plan ahead and keep fighting for our parks!

4. Tell Lawmakers You Support National Parks & Forests

Congress makes the big decisions that shape the future of our national parks and forests. 

The most effective way to influence those decisions? Call or email the lawmakers with the most power over public lands policy. And then call or email again and again.

Lawmakers won’t take action unless they hear from enough people. 

Step 1: Know Who to Contact

✔ Our U.S. Senators – They vote on national park funding and protections.

  • Senator Patty Murray is Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which controls federal park funding, making her a key decision-maker to contact.
  • Senator Maria Cantwell was instrumental in the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. Thank her for her leadership and urge her to continue fighting for increased park funding and stronger conservation policies.
Washington State Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell stand outdoors, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has white hair and glasses, wearing a navy blue jacket and holding a pamphlet. The woman on the right has shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a bright blue Patagonia jacket with a button that says "I Voted" and "PATTY," holding a white cup.
Senators Murray and Cantwell. Photo credit Patty Murray

✔ Our House Representatives – They represent the districts where our National Parks are located.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Call or Email

Do what you are most comfortable doing, but keep in mind that calling is more effective. Staffers log your position in under a minute—they won’t debate you, just record your position.

Emails work, too, especially if you personalize them.

Step 3: Use This Quick Script for Calls

📞 “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a resident of [Your City, WA]. 

TIP: I specifically state that I’m a constituent and provide my exact address so that my call is documented.

“I’m asking [Senator/Representative Name] to support more funding and stronger protections for our national parks and forests. These public lands are critical for tourism, wildlife, and climate resilience but need better funding and stronger environmental protections. Please oppose any budget cuts and advocate for long-term funding. Thank you.”

Step 4: Use This Email Template

✉️ Subject: Please Support Washington’s National Parks and Forests

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

As a resident of [Your City, WA], I urge you to prioritize funding and protections for Washington’s national parks and forests. Our public lands are vital for local tourism, wildlife conservation, and climate resilience, yet they are underfunded and at risk.

I ask that you:

  1. Support increased federal and state funding for trail maintenance, wildfire prevention, and park staffing.
  2. Oppose legislation that weakens protections for public lands or opens them to harmful development.
  3. Advocate for stronger climate policies to protect these spaces for future generations.

Thank you for representing Washington’s incredible public lands.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your City, WA

★ BONUS: Contact Key Committee Leaders  

Contact representatives on the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources and the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees public lands policy.

Even if they’re not from your state, these lawmakers set the national policy direction for our public lands. 

A flood of calls and emails from across the country shows them that national park protections matter to all Americans.

  • Senate National Parks Subcommittee Chair: Sen. Angus King (I-ME) – Oversees legislation impacting national parks nationwide.
  • House Natural Resources Committee Chair: Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) – Leads the committee responsible for public lands, wildlife, energy production, mining, and oceans.

5. Sign a Petition to Support & Protect Public Lands

Petitions are a quick and easy way to show public support for national parks and forests. 

When part of a larger movement, petitions help to build momentum, pressure decision-makers, and generate attention. 

Sign these active petitions now:

Petitions alone won’t change policy. But when we sign them, call and email our representatives, and use our voices on social media, they help push for real action.

A group of protesters advocating for public lands outside of Mount Rainier National Park, holding handmade signs. One person in sunglasses and a dark green sweater raises a sign that reads, "Seasonal jobs aren’t sustainable, we need permanent jobs." Another sign says, "Protect Public Land." A brown and white dog wearing a bandana stands in the foreground, while a black car drives past.
Protestors at Mount Rainier National Park. Photo credit The Chronicle

6. Visit Parks Responsibly & Take Action Beyond Leave No Trace

Protecting national parks is an ongoing act of love and resistance. 

Our public lands are under strain from record-breaking visitation, severe wildfires, climate change, and illegal activity. 

Simply following Leave No Trace isn’t enough anymore—we must go further.

How to take real action:

  • Pick Up Trash, Even When It’s Not Yours – Trail crews and rangers can’t keep up with the litter, abandoned gear, and human waste left behind. Every piece you pick up makes a difference.
  • Speak Up When You See Damage – If you see illegal campfires, off-trail damage, or someone feeding wildlife, say something (if it is safe) or report it to a ranger. Don’t assume someone else will.
  • Stop Geotagging Wilderness Areas – Overcrowding is destroying fragile ecosystems. Instead of pinpointing exact locations, tag the park or forest.
  • Challenge the “Parks Are Free” Mindset – Public lands aren’t free. They’re paid for with tax dollars, donations, and volunteer labor. Advocate for increased park funding to help maintain them and pay entry fees with gratitude for all that rangers do.

Parks are at risk, and we can’t afford to take them for granted. Being a steward means taking action beyond leaving no trace.

7. Organize a Trail Cleanup (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

You don’t need a big team to make a difference. In fact, smaller groups are more effective since they can work around permit requirements and park regulations.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

  1. Pick a Trail That Needs Cleanup – Choose a local trail where you’ve noticed trash or damage.
  2. Keep Your Group Small – Groups under 25 people often don’t need a permit. If you’re unsure, call the land manager or ranger station.
  3. Bring Basic Supplies – Trash pickers, bags, gloves, and a first-aid kit are all you need
  4. Dispose of Trash Responsibly – Not all parks have dumpsters. If possible, haul out the trash to lighten the load for rangers.
  5. Take Photos & Video to Share on Social Media – Posting about your cleanup inspires others to do the same.

TIP: A one-person cleanup is just as effective! Carry a trash bag and picker every time you hike—you’ll be amazed at how much you can collect.

Wrap-Up: How to Protect WA National Parks & Forests 

If you love Washington’s public lands like I do, you know there’s work to be done!

Protecting our national parks and forests doesn’t require substantial time commitments—just consistent action. Every call, donation, shared post, and piece of trash packed out makes a difference.

Public lands belong to us. If we want them around for future generations, now’s the time to fight for them.

Meeshka

Meeshka is the founder of Sand & Elevation. Living between two mountain ranges - the Olympics and the Cascades - she spends her free time in the mountains and on the coast, hiking, climbing, and exploring the outdoors. Meeshka helps other nature-loving adventurers by writing comprehensive guides to the Pacific Northwest's best destinations.