Want to support national parks? Use Apple Pay this week.

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The Southwest Conservation Corps’s Leaders of Color crew provides a supportive space for aspiring BIPOC conservationists to break into the field.
The Southwest Conservation Corps’s Leaders of Color crew provides a supportive space for aspiring BIPOC conservationists to break into the field.
Photo: National Park Foundation/Jeremy Wade Shockley

Apple pledged Monday to donate $10 to the National Park Foundation (NPF) for many Apple Pay purchases. If you buy via Apple Pay on apple.com, in the Apple Store app or at a U.S. Apple Store through August 28, you’re helping national parks.

Cupertino said it’s a way to celebrate 106 years of the U.S. National Park Service. And you can also enjoy special content and collections on Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts and more.

Apple will donate $10 to national parks for many Apple Pay purchases in the U.S. through August 28

In addition to its $10 donations to the NPF going along with many Apple Pay purchases in the U.S., Apple introduced ways to learn about America’s parks. Have a look at the list below.

“Whenever I visit our national parks — as I did recently in Yosemite and Glacier — I feel the sense of awe, tranquility and quiet reverence only nature can inspire,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

“We’re proud to partner with the organizations and communities who maintain our parks, educate us about their history and share them with the world,” he continued. “These treasures are well worth protecting, today and for every generation to come.”

In Apple Maps, users can discover more about national parks that celebrate Indigenous history and heritage with a curated Guide.
In Apple Maps, users can discover more about national parks that celebrate Indigenous history and heritage with a curated Guide.
Photo: Apple

Benefiting service corps members

Last year, Apple’s support for the NPF helped young people participate in a service corps programs at national parks. That included Kalen Anderson, 2022 Corps Member of the Year.

This year, Anderson completed the Werowocomoco internship program at Colonial National Historical Park and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail through the Appalachian Conservation Corps.

In doing so, he was able to help manage a Native archeological site that is part of his Indigenous identity and heritage.

“Of my time as a corps member and intern of the National Park Service, I have been given an opportunity that has influenced how I developed and continue to develop myself as a steward,” said Anderson. He is a member of the Nansemond Indian Nation. “I have learned that I am not only a steward of my environment, but also of my culture.”

Apple users can visit a collection of episodes centering Indigenous voices on Apple Podcasts.
Apple users can visit a collection of episodes centering Indigenous voices on Apple Podcasts.
Photo: Apple

Supporting Leaders of Color service corps

Apple’s donation to NPF last year, driven by Apple Pay purchases, also benefited the Leaders of Color service corps crew. It provides a supportive space for aspiring BIPOC conservationists.

The support aligns with the company’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. It’s an effort to address systemic racism and expand opportunities for Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities.

“America’s national parks are a gift we share,” said Will Shafroth, the NPF’s president and CEO. “Apple’s partnership and generous commitment help to ensure that all people see themselves in national parks and feel welcome in these places that belong to all of us.”

On August 27 you can participate in a special Activity Challenge and get this badge.
On August 27 you can participate in a special Activity Challenge and get this badge.
Photo: Apple

Special collections and more

In addition, Apple customers can enjoy the parks through special collections and offerings across Apple services:

  • Apple Maps: The Parks that Honor Native American History Guide allows users to learn more about national parks celebrating Indigenous history and heritage.
  • Apple Podcasts: Check out a collection of episodes centering Indigenous voices, including the “Yellowstone” episode of Parks. It’s an Indigenous-led podcast about people who lived here before colonists arrived.
  • Apple Watch: Celebrate national parks with a limited-edition Activity Challenge award. On August 27, you can earn the award by completing a hike, walk, run or wheelchair workout of a mile or more.

Donations are limited to a maximum of $1,000,000 and go to the NPF, Apple said.

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