Apple honors 108 years of National Park Service with Apple Pay donations
Apple is celebrating the 108th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service with the launch of a fundraising campaign through Apple Pay donations.
From August 19 to August 25, Apple will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made with Apple Pay on Apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at Apple Stores in the US.
The initiative marks the eighth consecutive year that Apple has partnered with the National Park Foundation. The company’s support includes financial contributions and a series of digital resources designed to help users learn more about the natural beauty and history of national parks.
For example, Apple Music has curated a playlist called “Nature Awaits” that is available in Apple retail stores nationwide. In addition, over 30 Apple Maps Guides, developed in partnership with the National Park Foundation, offer users curated experiences to explore these protected areas.
Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the importance of this partnership. “Every time I visit a national park, I am amazed by its extraordinary beauty and incredibly rich history,” he said. “We are proud to partner with the National Park Foundation to preserve these natural treasures that inspire so many people.”
“Their important work helps ensure that future generations can feel the same sense of awe, wonder and reverence for the planet we call home.”
In addition to its financial contributions, Apple also supports initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. The National Park Foundation provides youth nationwide with immersive learning experiences, offers career opportunities in STEM fields, and removes barriers to access to parks.
The Apple-supported EcoLogik Institute brings young women closer to nature through science. In partnership with Cabrillo National Monument, it runs science camps for girls and young women.
Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, emphasized the impact of such programs. “By investing in young women’s interest in STEM subjects, we empower them to become the next generation of environmental stewards.”
New ways to enjoy and explore national parks
Apple Maps will improve national park exploration later in 2024 with detailed hiking information, filtering options, and turn-by-turn directions. Topographic maps with contour lines and trail details will also be available offline.
To celebrate the National Park Service’s anniversary, Apple is offering several ways to get involved in nature. For example, on August 25, Apple Watch users can win a limited-edition award by completing a 20-minute workout.
Apple supports national parks through environmental initiatives. The company has already achieved carbon neutrality across all of its global operations and is on track to extend this to its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030.
