Covering 197,000 acres and harboring 500 miles of trails and the 105-mile Skyline Drive, Shenandoah is a national—and international—treasure. Each year, the Park attracts some 2 million visitors, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. In addition to attracting visitors from around the U.S., Shenandoah is a destination for many international travelers who day-trip to the Park from Washington, DC.

Our national parks were established by and are supported by the federal government. However, over the years, federal funding has failed to keep up with the needs of our Parks. Today, Shenandoah National Park has a large backlog of maintenance and repair projects. In response, non-profit groups like Shenandoah National Park Trust have cropped up around the country to support their “local” national parks.

While the recent stimulus package will provide a healthy $17 million to Shenandoah, this is only a small percentage of what is needed to maintain and enhance our beloved Park. Gifts to the Trust ensure that Shenandoah National Park receives the attention and funding it needs—and deserves—to ensure its beauty, ecological health, and historical significance for perpetuity.