Apple honors 108 years of the National Park Service with Apple Pay donations
Apple is commemorating the 108th anniversary of the US National Park Service by launching a campaign to raise funds through Apple Pay donations.
From August 19 through August 25, Apple will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made using Apple Pay on Apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at Apple Stores across the US.
The initiative marks the eighth consecutive year that Apple has collaborated with the National Park Foundation. The company’s support includes monetary contributions and a range of digital resources aimed at bringing users closer to the natural beauty and history of national parks.
For instance, Apple Music has curated a “Nature Awaits” playlist in Apple retail stores nationwide. Additionally, over 30 Apple Maps Guides, developed with the National Park Foundation, offer users curated experiences to explore these protected lands.
Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Every time I visit a national park, I’m struck by their extraordinary beauty and incredibly rich history,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with the National Park Foundation to help preserve these natural treasures that inspire so many people.”
“Their important work helps ensure that future generations will be able to experience that same sense of awe, wonder, and reverence for the planet we call home.”
Apple, beyond its financial contributions, supports initiatives to foster environmental stewardship. The National Park Foundation engages youth in immersive learning experiences nationwide, offering STEM career pathways and addressing park access barriers.
The EcoLogik Institute, supported by Apple, connects young women with nature through science. In collaboration with Cabrillo National Monument, it hosts camps for girls and young women in natural resource sciences.
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, we empower them to become the next generation of environmental stewards.”
New ways to enjoy and explore national parks
Apple Maps will enhance national park exploration later in 2024 with detailed hike information, filtering options, and turn-by-turn guidance. Topographic maps with contour lines and trail details are also available offline.
To celebrate the National Park Service’s anniversary, Apple offers various nature engagement opportunities. For example, on August 25, Apple Watch users can earn 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 its global corporate operations. It’s on track to extend this to its entire supply chain and product life cycle by 2030.