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Celebrating Innovation and Stewardship in National Parks

On May 21, 2025, the Western National Parks (WNP) unveiled its award honorees and research grant recipients for the 2024-2025 cycle, showcasing the remarkable individuals and initiatives dedicated to the conservation of America's beloved parks. This recognition underscores the commitment to scientific research and innovative storytelling in preserving these natural treasures.

Honoring Outstanding Contributions to National Parks

WNP awarded three distinguished individuals whose efforts have significantly advanced the mission of national parks:

Emil W. Haury Lifetime Achievement Award: William Gibson Parker

William Gibson Parker has spent over twenty years in paleontology, leading transformative research at Petrified Forest National Park. His endeavors have yielded hundreds of fossil discoveries, including thirteen new species, while his extensive publications have garnered over 3,200 citations. Parker collaborates with filmmakers and educators to make paleontological science accessible, combining his passion for research with effective public engagement. His efforts not only enrich scientific understanding but also ignite interest among students and the general public alike.

_Nominator Dave Velk commented, “Bill Parker’s legacy exemplifies the essence of the National Park Service mission, engaging the world in understanding the extinctions of the past while advocating against modern extinction.”_

Edward B. Danson Award: Tom Medema

Tom Medema has had an influential career spanning over three decades in public lands and conservation. Beginning as a volunteer intern at Rocky Mountain National Park, he has inspired countless rangers and engaged millions of visitors in national park experiences. Medema’s projects focus on youth engagement and policy innovations, demonstrating the importance of national parks to diverse communities. His retirement from the National Park Service marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, yet his legacy of inspiration continues to flourish among advocates of national parks.

Stewart L. Udall Award: Maddie Pellman

Maddie Pellman has made substantial contributions to elevating the voices of park managers through her podcast, Who Runs This Park. Through engaging interviews, she draws attention to the critical roles played by National Park Service superintendents in maintaining and managing these sites. Pellman’s initiative not only entertains but also fosters public understanding and support for national park leadership. With over 15,000 downloads, her podcast continues to resonate across diverse auditory groups, linking communities to the mission of national parks.

Research Grants Fueling Conservation Efforts

In addition to honoring individuals, WNP also announced grants for vital research projects within national parks. These funds aim to support studies on climate change, ecosystem health, and species protection. The following projects received funding this year:

• - Channel Islands National Park: Studying climate adaptation in species and ecosystems.
• - Coronado National Memorial: Investigating wildlife migration impacts from border wall developments.
• - Chiricahua National Monument: Enhancing bat conservation through research on White-Nose Syndrome and public education initiatives.
• - Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Developing interpretative programs to deepen understanding of regional botany.
• - Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Analyzing microbial life impacted by human activity in fragile thermal ecosystems.
• - Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Employing genomics to study climate responses in American Pikas.
• - Saguaro National Park: Continuing a comprehensive study on saguaro cacti, one of the longest-running plant monitoring projects.

To learn more about these grants, visit the WNP Research Grant program’s webpage.

A Future Powered by Passion and Knowledge

Marie Buck, President and CEO of WNP, expressed, “We rely on the passion and commitment of individuals dedicated to preserving national parks for future generations. This year’s awardees and research contributors embody the resilience, curiosity, and unwavering spirit fundamental to conserving our cultural and natural heritage.”

For further information on WNP's awards, grants, and educational programs, please visit WNP’s official site.
Use this celebration of achievements as motivation to advocate for and protect the national parks.