With the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) turning 105 years old, Apple said today it will donate $10 for purchases of its products from official sales points to the National Park Foundation (NPF) through August 29. The Cupertino tech giant will also share new ways for customers to learn about and celebrate America’s parks.
Apple purchases push donations for a limited time
This week through August 29, Apple said it will make a $10 donation to the NPF for each purchase made with Apple Pay on apple.com, the Apple Store app or at an Apple Store in the U.S.
So you can get your Apple fix and help a good cause, too.
“With every passing year, our national parks only become more precious,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re honored to play a small role in helping even more people explore the parks, learn about their history and renew their love and appreciation for the planet we share.”
Funding NPF youth programs
Apple’s contributions to NPF have helped fund youth programs like the Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program. It provides underrepresented youth with on-the-ground work experience in natural resource science fields.
“It has always been a dream of mine to work for the NPS,” said Edwin Torres, a recent Central Washington University grad interning at North Cascades National Park. “I view these parks as spiritual places that allow you to build your connection with nature. Through this program, I have been able to learn skills that will help me pursue a career in natural resource management.”
NPF President and CEO Will Shafroth said that national parks are landscapes of wonder and learning.
“Thanks to Apple’s ongoing partnership and commitment to connect young people to America’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, we are helping [NPS] excite and engage students with educational opportunities across the country,” he said.
Content collections and Activity Challenge
Special content collections and an Apple Watch Activity Challenge will help customers explore the parks, or simply celebrate them from home.
Users can experience collections on Apple Maps, the App Store, the Apple TV app and on Apple Podcasts, Apple Books and Apple Music.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps will feature 24 curated guides from the NPF to help people discover and experience treasured landscapes. The guides include more than 400 sites the NPS protects, from hidden gems to urban escapes.
Apple users can also save national parks to My Guides, create personal guides, and share them with friends and family while planning a trip.
App Store
The App Store celebrates the NPS by spotlighting the official National Park Service app as the App of the Day.
Users can also explore the Essential Apps for Hikers collection, which highlights apps including Outdoorsy – RV Rentals, AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run and WaterMinder.
Apple TV
Folks who use the Apple TV app can find a collection on Watch Now that celebrates the history, stories and wonder of the national parks. It spotlights shows like Ken Burns’s The National Parks: America’s Best Idea and documentaries like Free Solo.
Apple podcasts, books and music
Apple Podcasts will feature a collection of shows focused on exploring and celebrating the outdoors for listeners in the U.S. throughout August.
On Apple Books, customers will find a collection of books for adults and kids that inspire families to explore national parks.
And with the “Nature Awaits” playlist on Apple Music, listeners can hit play and let their imagination wander, even if they’re unable to head outdoors.
Apple Watch Activity Challenge
On August 28, Apple Watch users can appreciate the natural beauty of national parks by participating in an Activity Challenge. They can earn the limited edition award and animated stickers for Messages by completing a hike, walk, run or wheelchair workout of a mile or more.
