Across the country, public lands are facing real threats. As Congress nears a critical vote on the reconciliation bill, sweeping budget cuts risk draining vital funding from the National Park Service and from state and local parks— weakening protections for the historic and natural places we all cherish.
Without this funding, maintenance backlogs will grow, staff will shrink and important parks and places will fall further into disrepair— putting access, safety and preservation at risk for everyone.
At the Olmsted Network, we believe there’s a better path— one inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted’s powerful vision.
Olmsted wasn’t just a designer of beautiful parks and places. He was a visionary who believed deeply in democracy, equity and the power of public landscapes to shape a just society.
From his 1865 Yosemite Report— where he argued that providing free access to nature is a moral and civic obligation of democratic government— to championing access in beloved spaces like Central Park and the U.S. Capitol Grounds, Olmsted’s legacy reminds us that parks must be protected and stewarded for all, regardless of class, race or status.
Today, that vision is under threat.
Defending it is the Olmsted Network’s mission. Our work goes beyond remembrance— we live Olmsted’s values through activism, policy and preservation. In the past year, we:
- Fought back against privatization in Massachusetts and Florida.
- Advanced equitable funding in Oregon.
- Championed access and investment in Wisconsin.
- Convened hundreds of advocates digitally and in New York and Georgia.
- Mobilized board members and partners nationwide, helping to reduce major funding cuts to the National Park Service.
Public lands are not just scenic backdrops. They are living places where democracy happens— where we gather, reflect, protest, picnic, heal and dream. As July 4 approaches, they remind us that freedom and shared responsibility take shape in the real world, on real ground.
Here’s how you can help protect these vital spaces:
- Make a gift today to power rapid-response advocacy, long-term protection and a future where public spaces thrive.
- Contact your representatives using this script from the National Parks Conservation Association to demand more funding and stronger protections for public parkland.
This Independence Day, stand up for the landscapes that unite us all. Let’s keep Olmsted’s vision alive. Because losing funding often means losing access— forever.
Make a donation to the Olmsted Network today by giving online or mailing a check to us at 1101 30th St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20007.
