Good outdoorsy news: Celebrating unionized NPS employees, public land protections, Indigenous land restoration, wildlife preservation, and HOPE!
- Madeleine
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty down in the dumps about how our public lands are being treated by both our government and by careless individuals. From reckless legislation proposals and underfunding to overuse and exploitation, it’s easy to get caught up in the grief and frustration.
But today, I want to do something different. I want to celebrate some GOOD outdoorsy news. Because as much as there is to mourn, there’s also a lot to be hopeful about.
Here are some stories that made me breathe a little easier.
Highlights
National Parks unionize: Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon employees make history as some of the first-ever unionized national parks.
Indigenous-led land returns: The Iipay Nation regains 1,107 acres in California; the Elwha River continues to heal with cultural revival.
Public land expansion: Texas launches a $1B land-buying spree; Tennessee adds 10,500 acres; Connecticut protects 2,270 acres, and more.
Restoration milestones: Shorelines, swamps, and rivers revived (from West Haven’s pollinator project to protections for the Okefenokee and beyond).
Wildlife rebounds: Record Kemp’s ridley turtle nesting, wolves thriving in Yellowstone, and salmon running strong in the Elwha.
New trails & parks: Cotoni-Coast Dairies, Gate-to-Belmore, Chief Ladiga extension, and Willard Canyon Park open new access.
And so much more! Keep reading to find out.
National Parks employees are unionizing!
In a first big push of many more to come, federal employees at Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have officially voted to unionize with the National Federation of Federal Employees (per Bloomberg). This wasn’t a small victory, either. They won their election in a landslide: More than 97% of ballots cast were in favor!
Results were certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority on August 25, 2025. This makes them part of a small but growing number of unionized national parks in the U.S. In fact, I believe Yellowstone is the only other unionized national park!
The push to unionize comes largely in response to staffing cuts and attacks on the federal workforce under the Trump administration, which left the NPS’s permanent workforce down nearly a quarter since January. Organizers say the union will help protect workers from unstable conditions, ensure their voices are heard in decisions that impact their jobs, and strengthen their ability to advocate for the resources our parks desperately need.
With collective bargaining, rangers can push for safer staffing levels, fair pay, and adequate resources. That doesn’t just benefit the employees, but it also directly benefits the millions of visitors who rely on rangers for interpretation, education, and emergency response, and it ensures healthier futures for the lands we all depend on.
This is a huge step forward for protecting the workers who protect our parks, and by extension, the parks themselves. And the momentum isn’t stopping any time soon. That’s right, there’s a whole new wave of grassroots energy coming out of NPS employees gearing up for their own union campaigning.
I, for one, cannot WAIT to see what’s next!
Indigenous-led land returns and restoration
There has been so much incredible Indigenous-led progress lately as well!
Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel (California) recently reacquired 1,107 acres of ancestral land near Julian, CA through the state’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program. They plan to restore the land for biodiversity and create a cultural and ecological education center with hiking and camping access.
The largest dam removal in U.S. history has allowed the Elwha River to begin healing. The salmon are returning, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is reclaiming and celebrating their ancestral lands. The Paddle to Elwha canoe journey happened in July, which was a powerful cultural revival, with tribal canoe families navigating ancestral marine highways and culminating in a landing ceremony at the river’s mouth.
More good news for our public lands and our environment
Texas went on a public land shopping spree
You read that right: TEXAS! In July, Texas (notorious for having very little public land) made a historic turn toward conservation. Voters approved a $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, giving the state the resources to dramatically expand its park system. Since then, Texas has launched an ambitious acquisition campaign, adding Post Oak Ridge State Park, expanding Enchanted Rock, and acquiring 1,620 acres in the Hill Country to create Bear Creek State Park.
These lands protect critical habitat like the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, scenic canyons, and stretches of the Frio River. Biologists are already surveying the new acquisitions to catalog rare wildlife and plan future trails, campgrounds, and river access. This isn’t just about growth, it’s about protecting landscapes from being lost to private development.
Ultimately, this land-buying spree represents a long-overdue investment in securing wild places, ensuring both biodiversity and public access for generations to come.
Tennessee adds over 10,500 acres of public land
Tennessee is adding more than 10,500 acres for conservation and recreation. Acquisitions include 3,295 acres in East Tennessee, 7,200 acres along the Hatchie River in West Tennessee, and an expansion at Radnor Lake State Park. The new lands will protect forests, wetlands, and river corridors, while creating more opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. It’s one of the largest land investments Tennessee has made in years, ensuring that wild places remain accessible to future generations.
Record Kemp’s ridley turtle nesting in Texas gives conservationists hope
Conservationists documented 383 Kemp’s ridley turtle nests on Texas beaches in mid-2025, breaking the previous record of 353. This is a huge win for one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world. The nests are a direct result of long-term recovery efforts, including hatchling releases, habitat protection, and public awareness campaigns. Each nest represents dozens of eggs, meaning thousands of hatchlings are expected to make their way to the Gulf of Mexico this year. Eek!
Okefenokee Swamp wins protection from mining threats
Conservation groups successfully fought to protect the largest blackwater swamp in North America from destructive mining projects. Thanks to public pressure and legal advocacy, the project has been slowed and key permits challenged, keeping the Okefenokee safe for now. This ancient wetland is home to black bears, alligators, and countless bird species. Protecting it also preserves vital carbon storage and water quality benefits for the entire region.
Cotoni-Coast Dairies finally opens nine miles of new trails
After years of anticipation, nine miles of new hiking and biking trails opened in August at Cotoni-Coast Dairies, part of the California Coastal National Monument. The loops connect redwood groves, meadows, and ocean views. Beyond the trails, this project is an important partnership with Indigenous communities and local residents who fought for public access while ensuring sensitive habitats remain protected.
Rocky Mountain National Park adds all-terrain wheelchairs
RMNP has introduced free, all-terrain wheelchairs for visitors with mobility challenges. These wheelchairs allow people with limited mobility to explore trails that were previously inaccessible. It’s a groundbreaking step toward accessibility and inclusion, showing that parks can innovate to make sure everyone can experience wild places. As someone who has talked extensively about accessibility (and lack thereof) in the outdoor community, this kind of innovation makes me so happy to see.
Gate-to-Belmore Trail opens new section in Washington State
A long-awaited 2.7-mile section of this rail-trail opened in July in Thurston County. The new section reconnects neighborhoods and fills a gap in a broader trail system, helping more people bike or walk between communities. It’s part of Washington’s push to expand safe, accessible trails for recreation and commuting. I know this might seem like a small win, but it’s local to me and it’s important to celebrate the small wins too!
Chief Ladiga Trail expands with 6.5-mile extension
In April, this scenic rail-to-trail celebrated a 6.5-mile extension in Anniston, offering cyclists and hikers more mileage and a stronger regional trail connection. The Chief Ladiga Trail now stretches further into Alabama, bringing the vision of a continuous bike route connecting states in the Southeast closer to reality.
Yellowstone celebrates gray wolf reintroduction milestone
Yellowstone National Park is celebrating the continued success of its gray wolf reintroduction program. Since their return in the 1990s, wolves have helped rebalance ecosystems, improve habitat for species like elk and beavers, and draw wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Their success is a model of how bold conservation actions can restore natural balance. It’s a win-win for everyone, and we love to see it!
New Braunfels opens Willard Canyon Park
A brand new 10-acre park opened recently in Texas, with nearly a mile of trails, shaded picnic areas, and neighborhood access. While this might not sound like much to folks with access to sprawling nature preserves and National Parks nearby, this is important. The park protects a slice of natural canyon landscape within the city, making it a refuge for both people and wildlife. It’s another example of how urban areas can invest in green spaces that support mental health, community connection, and ecological resilience. And we need that more than ever right now. Look at you, Texas!
Connecticut preserves 2,270 acres with open space grants
Connecticut awarded $14.3 million to preserve 2,270 acres of open space, creating new public access points, trails, and preserved land across 22 municipalities. The grants are protecting forests, wetlands, and river corridors, while also expanding outdoor classrooms and community green spaces.
World’s first water lily weigh-off celebrates biodiversity
This one is just delightful. In a whimsical blend of science and fun, researchers and community members held the first-ever water lily weigh-off. The quirky event drew attention to aquatic ecosystems while celebrating the beauty and resilience of freshwater plants. It’s proof that science communication can be playful while still meaningful.
Orange County’s Frank & Joan Randall Preserve set to open by 2027
The 388-acre coastal property, also known as Banning Ranch, is on its way to becoming a public nature preserve. Located on one of the last undeveloped stretches of coast in Southern California, the preserve will restore habitats for endangered species, include input from local tribal nations, and open hiking opportunities for nearby communities.
National park rangers host a bake sale to support conservation
Wholesome alert! Park rangers organized a bake sale to raise money for conservation projects and community education. Beyond the baked goods, the event highlighted the creativity and commitment of rangers who often go above and beyond to support their parks and connect with the public.
A thousand dogs join citizen science to sniff out invasive species
In an extremely unique citizen science project, 1,000 dogs (with their humans) are volunteering to sniff out invasive species. The dogs’ natural scenting abilities are being harnessed to detect invasive plants and animals. It’s both a community-building effort and an innovative conservation tool.
West Haven shoreline restoration brings back native plants and pollinators
Beginning this fall, West Haven is planting 16,000 native plants along the shoreline near Old Grove Park. The project is designed to restore biodiversity, provide habitat for pollinators and shorebirds, reduce erosion, and create an educational space for visitors. Interpretive signage will help connect the community to the ecological importance of the shoreline, while the plantings will stabilize the coast and provide resilience against climate change impacts.
Good news for the outdoor industry and consumers
Alder Apparel lives on under new ownership
One of the few inclusive outdoorsy brands many of us were devastated to see close, Alder Apparel, has been acquired! The brand will live on under the management and ownership of Local Laundry, a Canadian apparel company based in Alberta. Alder’s founders shared that they will be able to preserve their vision of building a sustainable and inclusive outdoor brand, and they’re confident it’ll continue at Local Laundry. While co-founders Mikayla and her partner are stepping back, Alder’s story is far from over, and that’s something to celebrate. One of the biggest draws folks had to Alder was their inclusivity, so I’m eager to see how they maintain and preserve that.
Outdoor Voices reclaims its mission with founder’s return
Outdoor Voices recently welcomed founder Ty Haney back as owner and creative lead. She’s launching a new collection after a hiatus, steering the brand back toward its roots: Outdoor joy and inclusivity (one of the reasons many of us loved the brand way back when). This leadership shift follows its acquisition by a PE firm committed to reviving the brand’s people-and-planet focus. Outdoor Voices has been in the middle of some controversy the last few years, so I’ll be interested to see where this goes. I’d love to throw my support behind the brand again.
Conclusion
I know it’s easy to get lost in despair. But these stories remind me that good things are happening every day. Land is being returned. Ecosystems are healing. Workers are fighting for their rights. Beloved brands are being given new life. Public lands are growing. Wildlife is rebounding. And communities are rising to the challenge of protecting the places we love.
So today, I’m choosing to celebrate. Because joy and hope are just as much a part of resistance as grief and anger.
What good outdoorsy news have you come across lately? I’d love to hear more stories to keep the hope alive.
Comments