Directory of National Park Service 

Community Assistance Programs
ON THE COVER

Front Cover photos, top image: Gas Works Park in Seattle, Washington received a $500,000 grant from the NPS Land and Water Conservation 

Fund program. This grant supported the transformation of the former Seattle Gas Company gasification plant into a public park, encompassing 

19 acres of fields, waterfront, historic industrial infrastructure, and public art (Credit: FlickrCC/sea turtle).

Bottom images, left to right: Paddlers on the Schuylkill River at Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, Schuylkill River National Heritage Area. Lincoln 

Log activity, Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Duckwater Annual Festival, Great Basin National Heritage Area. Bicyclists on Highland 

Bridge in Denver, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. 

National Park Service. 2016. Directory of National Park Service Community Assistance 

Programs & Services, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC.
1

Introduction

In addition to managing over 400 national park 

units across the United States and its territories,

the National Park Service (NPS) administers numerous national and 

regional programs that are available to state, local, and tribal governments; 

nonprofit organizations; businesses; educational institutions; and the 

general public. This directory specifically identifies 54 NPS programs that 

provide ongoing opportunities for organizations and the public to engage 

in the mission of the NPS. 

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and 

cultural resources and values of the national park system for the 

enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. 

The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of 

natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation 

throughout this country and the world. 

The 54 NPS programs in this directory are listed in alphabetical order. 

Each entry includes the program or service name, description of its 

purpose, its primary community assistance activities, and weblinks to 

follow for more information. 

Another way to present the NPS community assistance programs is by 

community interest, specifically the recognition of nationally important 

places; funding and technical assistance for historic preservation, natural 

resource conservation, recreation, and education projects; and career 

development opportunities for youth and professionals. The table below 

presents programs by the following categories: 

■ National Designations

■ Grant and Financial Assistance

■ Project Assistance

■ Investment and Property Acquisition Assistance, and

■ Internships, Volunteer, and Professional Development Opportunities
2

Overview of Programs

1 NATIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Preserving and conserving nationally 

important places with community groups

National designations acknowledge the significance of nationally important historic, natural 

and cultural resources and/or the commitment of partner organizations to steward these 

nationally important places. Designations occur through an act of Congress, approval by 

the Secretary of the Interior or the NPS. Many allow specifically identified organizations to 

receive funding and/or technical assistance from the NPS, such as the National Heritage Areas 

Program, National Natural Landmarks Program, National Trails System, and National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Program.

National Heritage Areas Program

National Historic Landmarks Program

National Natural Landmarks Program

National Register of Historic Places

National Trails System 

National Water Trails System

National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

3

2 GRANT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Providing critical grant and project funding 

to support community projects

Financial assistance opportunities support the work of specific groups in historic preservation, natural 

resource conservation, recreation, education, and community engagement projects. The financial assistance 

opportunities identified below are provided through grants and cooperative agreements. 

CONSERVATION AND RECREATION ASSISTANCE 

Challenge Cost Share Program 

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails Program 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

Shared Beringian Heritage Program

Southwest Border Resource Protection Program 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND HERITAGE 

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE 

African American Civil Rights Grants Program

American Battlefield Protection Program 

Certified Local Government Program

Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Grant Program

Japanese American Confinement Sites 

Grant Program 

Maritime Heritage Program 

National Center for Preservation Technology 

and Training 

National Native American Graves Protection 

and Repatriation Act Program 

National Underground Railroad Network 

to Freedom

Preserve America Grant Program

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program 

Save America’s Treasures Grant Program 

Shared Beringian Heritage Program

Southwest Border Resource Protection Program 

State Historic Preservation Program 

Tribal Historic Preservation Program

Underrepresented Community Grants Program Historical marker in Buffalo, New York, marks a spot 

along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

4

3 PROJECT ASSISTANCE

Providing technical assistance to community groups on preservation, 

conservation, recreation, education, and other community projects

Project assistance includes resource identification and analysis, and conservation and recreation planning, Some assistance is provided for free

 by NPS staff, such as assistance through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, and other opportunities are provided fee-for-service. 

CONSERVATION, RECREATION, AND 

HEALTH ASSISTANCE 

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails Program 

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Network 

Healthy Parks Healthy People National 

Program 

Hydropower Recreation Assistance Program

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance 

Program

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND HERITAGE 

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE 

American Battlefield Protection Program 

American Indian Liaison Office

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units 

Cultural Resources Geographical Information 

Systems Facility

Heritage Documentation Program 

Heritage Travel Itineraries

Historic Preservation Training Center 

Midwest Archeology Center 

National Native American Graves Protection 

and Repatriation Act Program 

National Underground Railroad Network 

to Freedom

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Southeast Archeological Center 

Submerged Resources Center

Teaching with Historic Places 

Technical Preservation Services

Telling All Americans’ Stories - 

Heritage Initiatives and Theme Studies

4 INVESTMENT & PROPERTY ACQUISITION ASSISTANCE 

Helping communities invest in historic 

buildings and federal surplus property

to create new assets

Investment and property acquisition assistance includes programs that support community 

efforts to rehabilitate historic properties and acquire federal land and property.

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program

Federal Lands to Parks Program 

Historic Surplus Property Program 

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

5

5 INTERNSHIPS, VOLUNTEER AND PROFESSIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Engaging young people and the public in preservation, conservation, 

recreation, and interpretation efforts in and outside park units

These national and regional opportunities are open primarily to youth (ages 15 – 35). Most of these opportunities are offered in collaboration 

with youth organizations. 

INTERNSHIPS AND TEMPORARY 

EMPLOYMENT 

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies 

Units Network

Heritage Documentation Program 

• HABS/HAER/HALS Student Summer

Employment

• Sally Kress Tompkins Fellowship in

Architectural History

• Sally Kress Tompkins Maritime

Documentation Internship

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation 

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation 

Assistance Program

• Community Assistance Fellowship

Youth Programs Division

• American Sign Language Conservation

Crew Program

• Ancestral Lands Conservation Corp

• Centennial Volunteer Ambassador Program

• Cultural Resources Diversity Internships

• Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Internship

• Historically Black Colleges & Universities

Internship Program

• Latino Heritage Internship Program

• Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship

Programs

• National Council for Preservation Education

• NPS Academy

• National Park Business Plan and Consulting

Internships

• Urban Archaeology Corps

• Youth Conservation Corps

VOLUNTEER & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Volunteers-in-Parks Program

International Volunteers-in-Parks Program 

Research Learning Centers

• Place-Based Science and Citizen Science

Programs

Youth Programs Division

• Girl Scout Ranger

• Scout Ranger Resources Stewardship Program

• Let’s Move! Outside (Play, Learn, Serve, Work)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Artist-in-Residence Program

Research Learning Centers 

Teacher Ranger Teacher Program

Kids in Kayaks program offered in partnership 

with Baltimore National Heritage Area.
6

Directory

This directory is not a comprehensive list of every program the NPS administers. Instead, it is a focused list of national and regional programs that interact 

with community groups in and outside the boundary of park units. 

The Directory will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the programs of the NPS. 

Please send questions and comments to communityassist@nps.gov. 
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

7

Contents

African American Civil Rights Grants Program 8

American Battlefield Protection Program 8

American Indian Liaison Office 8

Artists in Residence Program 9

Certified Local Government Program 9

Challenge Cost Share Program 9

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails Program 10

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Network 10

Cultural Resources Geographical Information Systems Facility 11

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program 11

Federal Lands to Parks Program 11

Healthy Parks Healthy People National Program 12

Heritage Documentation Program 12

Heritage Travel Itineraries 13

Historic Preservation Training Center 13

Historic Surplus Property Program 13

Hydropower Recreation Assistance Program 13

Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program 14

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants 14

Maritime Heritage Program 14

Midwest Archeological Center 14

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training 15

National Heritage Areas Program 15

National Historic Landmarks Program 15

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program 15

National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation 

Act Program 16

National Natural Landmarks Program 16

National Register of Historic Places 16

National Trails System 17

National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom 17

National Water Trails System 17

National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program 18

Office of International Affairs 18

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation 19

Research Learning Centers 19

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation 

Assistance Program 20

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program 20

Shared Beringian Heritage Program 20

Southeast Archeological Center 21

Southwest Border Resource Protection Program 21

State Historic Preservation Program 21

Submerged Resources Center 21

Teacher Ranger Teacher Program 22

Teaching with Historic Places 22

Technical Preservation Services 22

Telling All Americans’ Stories - 

Heritage Initiatives and Theme Studies 23

Tribal Historic Preservation Program 23

Underrepresented Community Grants Program 23

Volunteers-In-Parks Program 23

Youth Programs Division 24

Historically Black Colleges & Universities Grant Program 26

Preserve America Grant Program 26

Save America’s Treasures Grant Program 26

Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program 26
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

8

African American Civil Rights 

Grants Program 

The African American Civil Rights Grants Program supports the documentation, interpretation, and preservation of the sites and stories related to the 

African American struggle to gain equal rights as citizens in the 20th Century.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers African American Civil Rights Grants to states, tribes, local 

government, and nonprofits. Grants will fund a broad range of planning, 

development, and research projects for historic sites including: survey, 

inventory, documentation, interpretation, education, architectural services, 

historic structure reports, preservation plans, and bricks and mortar repair. 

Preference will be given to applications that show community commitment 

through non-federal match and partnership collaboration. 

INFORMATION 

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

www.nps.gov/preservation-grants/civil-rights/

American Battlefield Protection Program

The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) promotes the preservation of significant historic battlefields associated with wars on American soil. 

The goals of the program are (1) to protect battlefields and sites associated with 

armed conflicts that influenced the course of our history; (2) to encourage and 

assist all Americans in planning for the preservation, management, and interpretation of these sites; and (3) to raise awareness of the importance of preserving 

battlefields and related sites for future generations.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers Battlefield Planning Grants and Battlefield Land Acquisition 

Grants. 

■ Provides technical assistance to individuals, groups, organizations, and 

governments interested in preserving historic battlefield land and sites associated with battles. 

BATTLEFIELD PLANNING GRANTS

Battlefield Planning Grants promote the protection and preservation of battlefield lands on American soil by funding non-acquisition preservation projects 

such as planning, education, and resource surveys and inventories. Construction 

projects are not eligible project activities. Applicants may be nonprofit groups, 

academic institutions, and local, regional, state, and tribal governments. 

BATTLEFIELD LAND ACQUISITION GRANTS

Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants provide matching grants to assist states 

and local communities in acquiring significant battlefield lands for permanent 

protection. Grants are available for the fee simple acquisition of land or for 

acquisition of permanent, protective interests in land (easements) at Civil War 

Battlefields listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission’s 1993 Report 

on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields and Revolutionary War and War of 

1812 Battlefields listed in the ABPP’s 2007 Report to Congress on the Historic 

Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United Sites. 

Eligible applicants are state and local governments. Private nonprofit organizations seeking to acquire battlefield land with assistance from this program must 

apply in partnership with the state or local government agency that has jurisdiction over the proposed acquisition parcel.

INFORMATION 

American Battlefield Protection Program 

www.nps.gov/abpp

American Indian Liaison Office 

The American Indian Liaison Office (AILO) provides guidance to National 

Park Service (NPS) field and program managers, and American Indian tribes 

and Alaska Natives to strengthen government-to-government interactions. The 

AILO also serves tribal governments and tribal members by providing information and guidance regarding issues related to natural and cultural resources, park 

policies and procedures, land restoration, and the resolution of longstanding 

issues with the NPS.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Assists tribes and the NPS with land exchange negotiations and the development of natural and cultural resource management strategies and agreements. 

■ Helps tribes and the NPS with Indian Self-Determination and Education 

Assistance Act agreements.

■ Produces Indian law and policy workshops.

INFORMATION 

American Indian Liaison Office

http://www.nps.gov/history/tribes/ailo.htm 
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

9

Artists in Residence Program 

Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century when famed 

Hudson River School painters captured the majestic views of our nation’s 

western parks. Today, the sights and sounds in national parks continue to inspire 

artists in many residency programs across the country. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Programs for visual artists, writers, musicians, and others are offered in 

participating national parks each year. Programs vary, but residencies are 

typically two to four weeks in length and most include lodging. Artists are 

invited to participate in park programs by sharing their art with park visitors. 

INFORMATION 

Artists in Residence Program 

www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/air.htm

Certified Local Government Program

The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is a partnership program 

established by the National Historic Preservation Act that is intended to 

promote historic preservation at the local government level. To qualify as a CLG, 

a community must possess certain qualifications and standards to monitor, 

review, and lead public participation in historic preservation in the community. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers, in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) 

throughout the country, the application process for becoming a CLG. 

■ Provides training and technical assistance to SHPOs and CLGs. 

■ Once certified as CLGs, local communities may apply for Historic 

Preservation Fund grants and receive technical assistance and support 

through their SHPO. 

INFORMATION 

Certified Local Government Program

www.nps.gov/clg/

Challenge Cost Share Program

The Challenge Cost Share Program supports local projects that promote 

conservation and recreation, environmental stewardship, education, and youth 

engagement in national parks with the support of local project partners. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides matching funds for projects that include conservation, recreation, 

and urban and youth engagement. Eligible applicants include National 

Parks and NPS administered National Trails and Wild and Scenic Rivers. 

Applications are submitted by NPS staff in collaboration with partners. 

Partners may include educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, forprofit entities, and local governments. 

INFORMATION 

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program

www.nps.gov/ccsp

Double Victory performing arts event at Fort Point National Historic Site 

in San Francisco.
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

10

Chesapeake Gateways and Trails 

Program

The Chesapeake Gateways and Trails program collaborates with partners to 

implement Executive Order 13508, specifically Section 203: the Strategy for 

Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and to provide better 

visitor experiences on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic 

Trail. Cooperative projects enhance access to the Chesapeake and its rivers, 

conserve important landscapes and resources, engage youth in meaningful work 

and placed-based education, improve recreational opportunities, and interpret 

the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake region. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Grants Financial Assistance 

Program. 

■ Provides technical assistance to state, community, and non-profit organizations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on river access, landscape and 

resource conservation, youth engagement, recreational opportunities, and 

interpretation. 

CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS GRANTS FINANCIAL 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

This program supports development of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake 

National Historic Trail and implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed 

Public Access Plan. Funding priority is given to projects that enhance visitor 

experience on the Chesapeake NHT and public water access site development. 

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations and state and local governments. 

For federal sites, only non-federal partner organizations may apply.

INFORMATION

NPS Chesapeake Bay Office

www.nps.gov/chba/index.htm

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units 

Network

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network is a national consortium of federal agencies, tribes, academic institutions, state and local governments, nonprofit conservation organizations, and other partners working 

together to support informed public trust resource stewardship. 

There are 17 CESUs encompassing all 50 states and territories, and each is based 

at a host university and focused on a particular biogeographic region of the 

country. CESUs bring together scientists, resource managers, students, and other 

conservation professionals, drawing upon expertise from across the biological, 

physical, social, cultural, and engineering disciplines (from Anthropology 

to Zoology) to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary applied projects 

that address natural and cultural resource issues at multiple scales and in an 

ecosystem context. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides technical assistance to federal agencies and their partners and offers 

faculty, students, and staff from participating academic institutions and 

other organizations opportunities to work on applied research, technical, 

and educational projects that address natural and cultural resource issues. 

■ Administers the Cooperative Ecosystem Study Units Network National 

Office Minority Fellowship. Summer and fall fellowship opportunities are 

available to graduate students enrolled in academic institutions within the 

CESU network. Applicants must be a member of a minority group. 

INFORMATION 

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units National Network 

www.cesu.org
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

11

Cultural Resources Geographical 

Information Systems Facility

The NPS Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems Facility (CRGIS) 

is dedicated to developing and fostering the use of geographic information 

systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies in documenting, analyzing, and managing cultural resources. CRGIS works with park 

units and partners including State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, local 

agencies, preservation organizations, and universities. Assistance is provided 

fee-for-service.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Surveys buildings, engineering structures, large landscapes, and traditional 

cultural properties using GPS technologies. 

■ Conducts historical research and assesses site eligibility for listing in the 

National Register of Historic Places in compliance with the National Historic 

Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, or other laws. 

■ Develops maps and employs various technologies to provide 3D visualization of cultural resources and landscapes. 

■ Creates GIS cultural resource databases for the long term care or management of resources or to assist in decision making processes. 

■ Evaluates resources that may be at risk of flooding, sea level rise, or other 

environmental impacts related to climate change. 

INFORMATION

Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems Facility 

www.nps.gov/crgis/

Federal Historic Preservation 

Tax Incentives Program

The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program encourages privatesector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings. Commonly 

referred to as the historic tax credit, the program provides a 20-percent federal 

income tax credit to property owners who undertake a substantial rehabilitation 

of an historic building in a business or income-producing use, while maintaining 

the building’s historic character. The program also includes a 10-percent credit 

for non-historic buildings in a non-residential use constructed before 1936, and 

tax benefits for donating a conservation easement for historic properties that 

contribute to the significance of a historic district. The NPS and the Internal 

Revenue Service administer the program in partnership with the State Historic 

Preservation Offices (SHPOs).

ACTIVITIES 

■ In partnership with the SHPOs, promotes the Federal Historic Preservation 

Tax Incentives Program.

■ Assists applicants with the application process, reviews applications, and 

certifies the historic significance of the property and, specifically for the 

20-percent credit, that the rehabilitation preserves the historic character of 

the property.

INFORMATION

Technical Preservation Services

www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm

Federal Lands to Parks Program

The Federal Lands to Parks Program creates new parks and recreation areas 

through the transfer of surplus federal lands to state and local governments; 

ensures public access to those properties in perpetuity; and promotes stewardship of the natural, cultural and recreational resources associated with 

those properties.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Assists state and local governments in obtaining land from the Federal 

Government for recreational uses. Assistance includes notifying state and 

local government agencies about available land, administering the land 

transfer application and deeding process, providing technical assistance 

to applicants, and advocating on behalf of interested parties that meet the 

selection criteria. 

■ Ensures compliance with the terms of the property transfer, specifically so 

that recreational use and public access continue into the future. 

INFORMATION

Federal Lands to Parks Program 

www.nps.gov/flp 
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

12

Healthy Parks Healthy People

National Program 

The Healthy Parks Healthy People National Program was established to reframe 

the role of parks and public lands as an emerging, powerful health improvement 

strategy. With this renewed focus on health, the NPS hopes to bring about lasting 

change in Americans’ lifestyle choices and their relationship with nature and the 

outdoors. Although Healthy Parks Healthy People is based within the NPS, the 

program works with national, state, and local parks, as well as business innovators, healthcare leaders, scientists, foundations and advocacy organizations to 

foster and build-upon the role that parks play in the health of our society.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides standards, guidelines, training, and resources about healthy and 

sustainable foods, recreation, habitat, and people. 

■ Connects people to parks through health promotion programs and events, 

and national partnerships such as the Park Prescriptions Program.

■ Develops and maintains the Healthy Parks Index tool with set criteria and 

standards for “What is a Healthy Park.”

INFORMATION

Office of Public Health 

Healthy Parks Healthy People National Program 

www.nps.gov/public_health/hp/hphp.htm

Heritage Documentation Program 

The Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP) create a permanent documentary record of nationally, regionally, or locally significant historic sites for a 

public collection at the Library of Congress. HDP administers three programs: 

the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), the Historic American 

Engineering Record (HAER), and the Historic American Landscapes Survey 

(HALS). HABS, HAER, and HALS documentation is available to the public at 

the Library of Congress or via the Library’s website, and is widely used in the 

preservation, restoration, facility management and interpretation of historic 

structures and sites. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Documents America’s architectural, engineering, and landscape heritage in 

partnership with federal agencies, state and local governments, and public 

and private groups. Documentation is archived at the Library of Congress 

and includes measured drawings, large-format photographs, detailed historical reports, and the latest digital recording technologies (high-definition 

laser scanning and digital photogrammetry). 

■ Educates the next generation of documentation specialists and preservationists through the following: 

■ Student Summer Employment program provides students currently 

enrolled at an accredited institution experience documenting historic 

sites and structures of significance throughout the country. 

■ Sally Kress Tompkins Fellowship program permits graduate students in 

architectural history or a related field to work on a 12-week HABS history 

project during the summer. 

■ Sally Kress Tompkins Maritime Documentation Internship permits a 

student or recent graduate of architecture or history, interested in maritime preservation, to work as a summer intern on a HAER maritime 

documentation project.

■ Sponsors four annual competitions for students and professionals in 

measured drawing and cultural landscape documentation. 

■ Creates and maintains national documentation standards and guidelines, 

including field testing of new recording methods and technologies, adhering 

to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Architectural, 

Engineering and Landscape Documentation.

INFORMATION

Heritage Documentation Programs 

Learning about ParkRx programming and partnerships in the Bay Area. www.nps.gov/hdp/
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

13

Heritage Travel Itineraries

The Heritage Travel Itineraries highlight thousands of sites, most of which are 

listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Itineraries bring historic sites 

to the attention of anyone interested in learning more about American history, 

architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture and encouraging people 

to visit and enjoy these important and inspiring places. Spotlighting different 

communities, geographic regions and themes across the country, the travel itineraries expose tourists to a great variety of places. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Publishes online travel guides, resources, maps, and essays that feature private 

and public historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

■ Partners with preservation organizations on the development of specific 

travel itineraries. 

INFORMATION

Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education

www.nps.gov/subjects/heritagetravel

Historic Preservation Training Center

The Historic Preservation Training Center is dedicated to the safe preservation and maintenance of national parks and partner facilities by demonstrating 

outstanding leadership, delivering quality preservation services, and developing 

educational courses in historic preservation, risk management, maintenance, 

planning, design, and construction. All technical preservation assistance and 

training are provided fee-for-service.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides technical preservation assistance, including condition assessments, 

preservation plans, and project management and construction services, to 

local and state governments, tribes, nonprofits, and other organizations 

across the country. 

■ Leads training programs aimed at building the skills of people responsible 

for the maintenance and preservation of historic properties. 

INFORMATION

Historic Preservation Training Center 

www.nps.gov/training/hptc/

Historic Surplus Property Program

The Historic Surplus Property Program enables state, county, and local governments to obtain historic buildings once used by the Federal Government at no 

cost and to adapt them for new uses. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Assists state, county or local governments in obtaining historic properties 

from the Federal Government for adaptive reuse. NPS staff review applications, assist with the application process, and monitor transferred properties 

to ensure they are maintained and protected. 

INFORMATION

Technical Preservation Services

www.nps.gov/tps/historic-surplus.htm

Hydropower Recreation 

Assistance Program

The Hydropower Recreation Assistance Program works with parties involved 

in licensing hydropower facilities regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission to ensure that public interests in recreation and conservation 

are addressed.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides technical assistance to stakeholders of Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission Hydropower Licensing Proceedings. Assistance may relate to 

recreation and river conservation issues applicable to hydropower projects 

both within and outside units of the National Park System.

INFORMATION

Hydropower Recreation Assistance Program 

http://www.nps.gov/hydro
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

14

Japanese American Confinement Sites 

Grant Program

The Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program advances the preservation and interpretation of confinement sites where Japanese Americans were 

detained during World War II.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Japanese American Confinement Sites grants to identify, 

research, evaluate, interpret, protect, restore, repair, and acquire historic 

confinement sites. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, 

educational institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments.

INFORMATION

Intermountain Regional Office

www.nps.gov/jacs/

Land and Water Conservation 

Fund Grants

STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program administers the “state” side of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to help 

state and local governments meet America’s need for well-planned, high-quality 

public outdoor recreation resources, protected in perpetuity, which will enhance 

the quality of life, and the health and vitality of present and future generations. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and 

development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. 

■ Ensures that federal environmental and historic preservation requirements 

are met and ensures that park and recreation areas funded by LWCF grants 

remain in public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity or be replaced by 

new parks. 

INFORMATION

Land and Water Conservation Fund Program

www.nps.gov/lwcf

Maritime Heritage Program 

The Maritime Heritage Program provides direction, assistance, and matching 

grants to parks and the maritime community to advance the nation’s understanding and appreciation of its maritime heritage. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Maritime Heritage Grants program. 

■ Maintains inventories of historic U.S. maritime properties. 

■ Provides preservation assistance through publications and consultation.

MARITIME HERITAGE GRANTS

The Maritime Heritage Grants program provides matching grants for 

historic preservation or education projects that foster a greater awareness 

and appreciation of the role of maritime endeavors in America’s history and 

culture. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and state, tribal, 

and local governments.

INFORMATION

Maritime Heritage Program

www.nps.gov/maritime

Midwest Archeological Center

The Midwest Archeological Center is dedicated to the study, interpretation, and 

preservation of archeological resources in the Midwest Region of the NPS.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides archeological and collections management assistance to national 

parks.

■ Works with preservation partners, including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments on archeological 

and collections management projects of national, state, and local importance. 

■ Offers interpretive programming, directly and through national parks, to 

schools and community organizations.

INFORMATION

Midwest Archeological Center

www.nps.gov/mwac/index.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

15

National Center for Preservation 

Technology and Training

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training advances the 

application of science and technology to historic preservation. Working in 

the fields of archeology, architecture, landscape architecture, and materials 

conservation, the Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, 

research, technology transfer, and partnerships.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Preservation Technology and Training Grants program to 

promote research and training opportunities in preservation technology, 

and provides other direct funding opportunities. 

■ Distributes publications, videos, podcasts and other information about preservation science to professional audiences and the public. 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING GRANTS 

Preservation Technology and Training Grants fund innovative research that 

develops new technologies or adapts existing technologies to preserve cultural 

resources. Eligible organizations include: U.S. universities and colleges; U.S. 

nonprofit organizations; museums, research laboratories, professional societies 

and similar organizations in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or 

research activity; state and local government agencies; and Hawaiian Natives, Native 

American and Alaska Native tribes, and their Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.

INFORMATION

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training 

http://ncptt.nps.gov

National Heritage Areas Program

The National Heritage Area program fosters community stewardship of our 

nation’s nationally important heritage. National heritage areas are designated by 

Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to 

form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Distributes matching funds to national heritage area coordinating entities, which include the nonprofit organizations, universities, state and local 

governments, and federal commissions, through cooperative agreements.

■ Provides technical assistance to national heritage area coordinating entities 

related to community planning, historic preservation, education and interpretation, and organizational development. 

■ National heritage area coordinating entities re-grant funds to organizations 

working within their boundaries and partner with organizations on heritage projects. 

INFORMATION

National Heritage Areas Program Office

www.nps.gov/heritageareas

National Historic Landmarks Program

The National Historic Landmarks (NHL) Program encourages citizens, public 

agencies, and private organizations to recognize, use, and learn from historic 

places to enhance livable and viable communities for the future.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Assists in the preparation of new NHL nominations, and provides preservation guidance to property owners of existing NHLs. 

INFORMATION

National Historic Landmarks Program 

www.nps.gov/nhl

National Historic Lighthouse 

Preservation Program

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program identifies qualified stewards for the no-cost transfer of historic lighthouses and monitors the 

ongoing use and preservation of those stations.

ACTIVITIES 

■ In partnership with the General Services Administration and the U.S. Coast 

Guard, assists eligible federal, state and local governments; nonprofits; 

educational institutions; and community development organizations in 

obtaining federally-owned surplus historic light stations at no cost. 

INFORMATION

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program

www.nps.gov/maritime/nhlpa/program.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

16

National Native American Graves 

Protection and Repatriation 

Act Program 

The National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 

(NAGPRA) Program supports the repatriation and disposition of Native 

American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of 

cultural patrimony. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers Consultation/Documentation Grants and Repatriation Grants. 

■ Provides technical assistance about NAGPRA compliance through training, 

written guidance, and investigations. 

NAGPRA CONSULTATION/DOCUMENTATION GRANTS 

Provides project-based grants to support the efforts of museums, Indian tribes 

and Native Hawaiian organizations to consult and document NAGPRA-related 

human remains and cultural items in non-federal collections. Eligible applicants 

include museums with possible NAGPRA collections, Indian tribes, and Native 

Hawaiian organizations. 

NAGPRA REPATRIATION GRANTS

Provides grant funding to defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, reburial and/or storage of NAGPRA-related 

human remains and/or cultural items. Eligible applicants include museums with 

NAGPRA collections, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. 

INFORMATION

National NAGPRA Program

www.nps.gov/NAGPRA

National Natural Landmarks Program

The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program increases public awareness 

of the nation’s biological and geological features by highlighting designated 

national natural landmark sites, which represent the rich and diverse tapestry of 

America’s natural heritage. Sites designated as NNLs contain the best remaining 

examples of specific biological and/or geological features.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Facilitates the evaluation of significant sites for designation by the Secretary 

of the Interior as NNLs. 

■ Provides NNL landowners (individuals; organizations; and local, state and 

federal agencies) with technical assistance for conservation and interpretation activities. 

■ Advocates for the conservation of NNLs by encouraging their consideration 

in land use planning efforts and management decisions.

INFORMATION

National Natural Landmarks Program

www.nature.nps.gov/nnl

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places supports public and private efforts to 

identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological properties.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Reviews nominations submitted by states, tribes, and federal agencies and 

lists eligible properties in the National Register. 

■ Provides guidance on the identification, evaluation and protection of historic 

and archeological resources. 

■ Maintains an electronic inventory of National Register listings. 

INFORMATION

National Register of Historic Places Program

www.nps.gov/nr
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

17

National Trails System 

The National Trails System facilitates the establishment and operations of 

national trails “in order to provide for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation 

needs of an expanding population and promote the preservation of, public 

access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor 

areas and historic resources of the Nation...” The system encourages and assists 

volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and 

management, where appropriate, of trails.

There are three types of national trails – scenic, historic, and recreation. 

NATIONAL SCENIC TRAILS AND 

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS 

National scenic and historic trails are nationally significant to America in the 

context of recreation, history, culture, and heritage. These types of trails are 

established through an act of Congress. In order for a trail to be designated a 

National Scenic Trail or a National Historic Trail, specific criteria identified in 

the National Trails System Act must be met. 

NATIONAL RECREATION TRAILS 

National Recreation Trail (NRT) designation provides national recognition to 

local and regional trails and trail systems. This type of trail is designated by either 

the Secretary of Agriculture (for trails on National Forest lands and waters) or 

the Secretary of the Interior (for all other trails). 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers funding and technical assistance to congressionally designated 

national scenic and historic trails that are assigned to the NPS by the authority 

of the Secretary of the Interior. The NPS also provides inter-agency coordination, partnership training, technical assistance, networking opportunities, 

and mapping to the trails it administers.

■ Provides technical assistance to NRT applicants, reviews NRT applications, 

and prepares NRT applications for review and approval by the Secretary of 

the Interior. 

INFORMATION

National Trails System Program 

www.nps.gov/nts

www.americantrails.org/ee/index.php/nationalrecreationtrails

National Underground Railroad Network 

to Freedom

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom promotes programs 

and partnerships that commemorate the Underground Railroad, preserves sites 

and other resources associated with the Underground Railroad, and educates 

the public about the historical significance of the Underground Railroad.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Lists historic sites as members of the Network to Freedom. 

■ Provides grant funds for the preservation and restoration of buildings associated with the Underground Railroad and for interpretation and historic 

research related to Network to Freedom members. 

■ Provides technical assistance to organizations that are identifying, documenting, preserving and interpreting sites, and approximate travel routes 

and landscapes related to the Underground Railroad, or that are developing 

or operating interpretive or educational programs or facilities.

INFORMATION

Network to Freedom Office

www.nps.gov/ugrr

National Water Trails System 

The National Water Trails System is a network of waterways for public exploration and enjoyment. They connect people to the outdoors and to conservation 

efforts along rivers and they support economic development related to tourism 

and recreation. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Reviews national water trail applications and provides guidance to organizations working on applications for potential designation by the Secretary of 

the Interior. 

■ Disseminates best practice information to designated water trail management entities and contributes to the water trail community of practice. 

■ Provides resources and technical expertise to promote the development and 

recognition of these trails with federal, state and local partner organizations. 

INFORMATION

National Trails System Program 

www.nps.gov/watertrails
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

18

National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program

The NPS National Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) Program helps preserve 

certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a freeflowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM

An entire river system, its tributaries, or a portion of a river may be included in 

the WSR System by an act of Congress or through a state governor’s request to 

the Secretary of Interior. WSRs are designated as either a wild, scenic, or recreational river based on the level of access and development of the river and shoreline. Four federal agencies are primarily charged with protecting and managing 

WSRs and our nation’s cultural, recreational and natural resources: the NPS, 

Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest 

Service. State agencies also administer WSRs. 

PARTNERSHIP WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS

A subset of WSRs, which are unique to the Department of the Interior and the 

NPS, are the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (PWSR). PWSRs are managed 

through long-term partnerships between the NPS and local governments, councils, and non-governmental organizations. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Protects the free-flowing condition and other values of designated WSRs/

PWSRs and congressionally authorized study rivers by evaluating the potential effects of proposed federally-assisted water resource projects. 

■ Contributes to new river designations by assisting with Congressionally 

authorized studies and development of management plans, as well as evaluating state governor’s river proposals.

■ Provides technical assistance and consults on specific projects to ensure river 

values are protected and enhanced.

■ Administers funding to PSWRs.

INFORMATION

Wild and Scenic Rivers Program 

www.nps.gov/wsr

Office of International Affairs

The Office of International Affairs facilitates cooperation between the NPS 

and park, cultural heritage, and protected area agencies around the globe. 

Engagement with the international community broadens professional networks 

and approaches that can assist in the protection of both NPS resources and 

natural and cultural heritage around the world.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Develops international agreements and facilitates international technical 

assistance projects around the globe related to all aspects of park and 

cultural heritage management, including park planning, program evaluation, 

and interpretation. Assistance is provided to park agencies and nongovernmental organizations outside the U.S. 

■ Coordinates the International Volunteers-in-Parks Program that provides 

international university students and professionals with training in the fields 

of environmental science, cultural heritage conservation, park management, 

and interpretation. 

■ Assists with developing “sister park” relationships between NPS units and 

sites in other countries. 

■ Monitors and reports on the status of U.S. World Heritage sites and oversees the preparation of nominations for new U.S. World Heritage sites. 

■ Coordinates official international delegation visits to NPS units. 

■ Supports U.S. Department of State bilateral and multilateral conservation initiatives. 

INFORMATION

Office of International Affairs 

www.nps.gov/oia
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

19

Olmsted Center for Landscape 

Preservation

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation strengthens the capacity of 

park and historic site staff to manage cultural landscapes. Working in partnership with national parks, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits, the 

Olmsted Center provides cultural landscape research and planning, stewardship, 

and educational assistance. Founded at the Frederick Law Olmsted National 

Historic Site, the Olmsted Center perpetuates the traditions of the Olmsted 

Offices and Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.’s lifelong commitment to people, parks, 

and public spaces.

ACTIVITIES

■ Provides technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, universities, 

National Historic Landmark property owners, and state, tribal, and local 

governments on the protection and preservation of cultural landscapes. 

Assistance may take the form of advisory consultation, planning services, site 

visits, and co-sponsored conferences and workshops. 

■ Offers apprenticeship and internship programs that provide participants 

with opportunities to gain professional experience in cultural landscape 

preservation. Internships and apprenticeships are typically six month positions offered to students, recent graduates, and professionals in the fields of 

landscape architecture, horticulture or a related discipline. 

INFORMATION

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

Research Learning Centers 

Research Learning Centers (RLCs) are places where science and education come together to preserve and protect areas of national significance. The 

value of RLCs is enhanced through their collaboration with hundreds of partners, including universities, K–12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and other 

community organizations. 

There are 18 RLCs across the U.S., each of which serves a park or regional 

network of parks. Most are physical places with laboratories, work spaces, and 

housing for researchers and students. Others are virtual and consist of web 

portals with research databases, educational materials, and multimedia presentations on scientific topics.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Helps external researchers conduct research in national park units. 

■ Provides opportunities for educators to bring real-world, place-based 

science to students in accordance with state education standards. 

■ Coordinates citizen science efforts that provide opportunities for the public 

to actively participate in scientific data collection. 

INFORMATION 

Research Learning Centers 

www.nps.gov/rlc

Boston Public School students investigating the hayfield ecosystem at Adams National 

Historical Park with the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation.
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

20

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation 

Assistance Program 

The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program helps carry 

out the National Park Service conservation and outdoor recreation mission. The 

staff provides technical assistance to community-led conservation and outdoor 

recreation projects, including the conservation and restoration of waterways, 

preservation of open spaces and parkland, development of trails and greenways, 

and development of close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ A national network of over 85 NPS RTCA conservation and recreation 

planning professionals provides technical assistance to community groups, 

nonprofits, tribes, national parks, and state and local governments on 

conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Applications for technical 

assistance are accepted annually. 

■ Administers the 11-month Community Assistance Fellowship beginning in 

January of each year. The fellowship provides graduate and undergraduate 

students with an opportunity to work with RTCA field staff and partners. 

INFORMATION

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program

www.nps.gov/rtca

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program collaborates with private property 

owners, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies to 

identify, prioritize, and address Route 66 preservation needs.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Route 66 Cost-Share Grant Program. 

■ Maintains the Route 66 Preservation Resource Center, an online library of 

technical and financial resources for preserving, promoting and interpreting 

historic sites along Route 66.

ROUTE 66 COST-SHARE GRANT PROGRAM

This program provides cost-share grants for the preservation of the most significant and representative buildings, structures, road segments, and cultural landscapes along the length of the Route 66 corridor, covering Illinois, Missouri, 

Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Cost-share 

grants are also available for planning, research, and educational initiatives 

related to the preservation of Route 66. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 

organizations, businesses, individuals, educational institutions, and local, state 

and tribal governments. 

INFORMATION

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

National Trails Intermountain Region

www.nps.gov/rt66

Shared Beringian Heritage Program

The Shared Beringian Heritage Program recognizes and celebrates the natural 

resources and cultural heritage shared by Russia and the United States on both 

sides of the Bering Strait. The program works to improve local, national, and 

international understanding of these resources and sustain the cultural vitality 

of Native peoples in the region.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers the Shared Beringian Heritage Program grants that support 

cooperative efforts that link people, organizations, institutions, and local 

governments across the Bering Strait. 

SHARED BERINGIAN HERITAGE PROGRAM FUNDS

These funds support scientific research projects or local, community-based 

educational, cultural, or conservation projects that fulfill some or all of the 

goals of the Beringia program. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, tribal governments, and representative indigenous 

groups from the Bering Strait region. 

INFORMATION

Shared Beringian Heritage Program

www.nps.gov/akso/beringia
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

21

Southeast Archeological Center

The Southeast Archeological Center facilitates the long-term protection, 

use, and appreciation of archeological and cultural resources in the 

southeastern United States. Assistance is provided pro bono, fee-for-service, 

or shared costs.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides archaeological and collections management technical assistance to 

national parks and partner organizations, especially on high profile projects 

or at locations that are threatened. Eligible organizations include national 

heritage areas, certified local governments, federally-recognized tribal 

nations, federal agencies, and other community groups. 

INFORMATION

Southeast Archeological Center

www.nps.gov/seac/

Southwest Border Resource Protection 

Program

The Southwest Border Resource Protection Program (SWBRPP) seeks to 

improve cultural and natural resource stewardship of protected lands located 

along the border shared by the United States and Mexico by fostering relationships and collaboration between agencies and organizations and by providing 

financial and technical assistance to parks and protected lands.

ACTIVITIES

■ Administers the SWBRPP grants that funds research, preservation, conservation and educational projects that benefit a unit of the National Park 

System or a national heritage area along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

■ Provides technical assistance to parks and partners along the U.S./

Mexican border to mitigate impacts on cultural and natural resources, and 

to further collaboration between Mexican and American land managers 

and their partners. 

SOUTHWEST BORDER RESOURCE PROTECTION 

PROGRAM GRANTS

This program funds research, preservation, conservation, and educational projects that benefit a unit of the National Park System or a national heritage area 

along the U.S.-Mexico border. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations, 

educational institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments. 

INFORMATION

Office of External Relations and Partnerships, Intermountain Region 

www.nps.gov/partnerships/SWBRPP_Mission_Guidelines.htm

State Historic Preservation Program

The State Historic Preservation Program assists the 50 states, the District of 

Columbia, and the territories as partners in preservation. Together, the NPS and 

State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), work toward preserving the places 

that give our nation its cultural identity. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers annual Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) matching grants to 

the 50 SHPOs and territories to expand and accelerate their historic preservation activities. This includes a required minimum 10 percent pass-through 

of HPF grant funds to support local preservation projects and preservation 

training and guidance carried out by certified local governments.

■ Monitors mandated National Historic Preservation Act activities. 

INFORMATION

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

www.nps.gov/shpo

Submerged Resources Center

The Submerged Resources Center provides direct project support to NPS partners and staff responsible for the stewardship of submerged resources, primarily 

cultural resources, to enhance and facilitate public appreciation, access, understanding, and preservation of these resources.

ACTIVITIES

■ Provides technical assistance in the identification of underwater archaeological sites to community groups worldwide. Assistance includes marine 

remote sensing, archeological surveys and documentation, underwater 

photography and documentation, education and outreach, and scientific 

and technical diving for resource management.

INFORMATION

Submerged Resources Center

www.nps.gov/orgs/1635/index.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

22

Teacher Ranger Teacher program at Klondike Goldrush National Historical Park works 

with youth volunteers to build a First Bloom Native Plant garden. 

Image credit: Amanda McCutcheon/Flickr

Teacher Ranger Teacher Program 

The Teacher Ranger Teacher program is an extended professional development 

opportunity for educators from K-12 schools with underserved and underrepresented student populations to spend one summer acquiring new skills in a 

national park. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Offers four to six week career develop opportunities to teachers each 

summer in national park units. Priority is given to teachers who work at 

Title I schools. 

INFORMATION 

NPS Teacher Ranger Teacher Program 

http://teacherrangerteacher.org

Teaching with Historic Places

Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) uses properties listed in the NPS’s 

National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, 

civics, and other subjects. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Develops and distributes TwHP lesson plans that provide teachers with 

materials and question sets that encourage analytical thinking.

■ Provides guidance on methods, such as Youth Summits, for using historic 

sites as educational learning labs that combine classroom instruction, experiential learning, and civic engagement. 

INFORMATION

Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education

www.nps.gov/subjects/teachingwithhistoricplaces/index.htm

Technical Preservation Services

The Technical Preservation Services office establishes preservation standards 

and guidelines and develops technical guidance and information on the 

preservation of historic properties. These standards and guidance are widely 

used by government agencies, local preservation commissions, design and 

preservation professionals, owners of historic buildings, and the public. 

ACTIVITIES

■ Issues “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of 

Historic Properties” and “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for 

Rehabilitation,” widely adopted at the national, state, and local levels. 

Also issues related guidelines and information for interpreting and 

applying the Standards. 

■ Issues technical preservation guidance and information on the care and 

treatment of historic properties.

INFORMATION

Technical Preservation Services

www.nps.gov/tps/index.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

23

Telling All Americans’ Stories - 

Heritage Initiatives and Theme Studies

The Telling All Americans’ Stories heritage initiatives and thematic studies 

increase the breadth of our interpretation of American history and experience. 

The theme studies explore ways to recognize, preserve, and interpret the legacy 

of underrepresented groups for future generations. Topics studied include 

American Latino Heritage, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage, Women’s 

History, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Heritage.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Develops heritage theme studies and resources in coordination with partner 

organizations that help communities (1) increase the representation of 

historic places listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as National Historic Landmarks and (2) improve and expand interpretation and education about underrepresented communities and individuals.

■ Curates content related to parks, National Register sites, K-12 Education, 

and travel around historic themes including arts and culture, politics and 

government, immigration and immigrant identities, LGBTQ heritage, and 

science and technology.

INFORMATION 

Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education

www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/index.htm

Tribal Historic Preservation Program

The Tribal Historic Preservation Program assists Indian tribes in preserving 

their historic properties and cultural traditions through the designation of 

Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) and through annual grant 

funding programs. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Oversees the designation of new THPOs and monitors the requirements and 

duties accepted by THPOs.

■ Similar to the State Historic Preservation Program, administers annual 

Historic Preservation Fund grants to the THPOs. Grant funds assist in 

expanding and accelerating historic preservation activities and National 

Historic Preservation Act responsibilities.

■ Administers the competitive Tribal Heritage Grants to federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native Villages and Corporations, and Native 

Hawaiian Organizations. 

INFORMATION

Tribal Historic Preservation Program

www.nps.gov/thpo/index.html

Underrepresented Community Grants 

Program

The Underrepresented Community Grants program supports preservation 

projects that increase the knowledge and number of listings of associated 

historic resources. Projects include surveys and inventories of historic properties associated with underrepresented communities, as well as the development 

of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for specific sites. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers matching grants to State Historic Preservation Offices, 

Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, federally recognized tribes, Alaska 

Native Organizations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Certified 

Local Governments. 

INFORMATION

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

www.nps.gov/preservation-grants/community-grants.html

Volunteers-In-Parks Program 

The National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program provides citizens with 

meaningful and mutually beneficial opportunities to help protect and preserve 

our nation’s natural and cultural treasures.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Volunteer opportunities are available at national park units across the country. 

INFORMATION 

Volunteers-in-Parks Program 

www.nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

24

Youth Programs Division 

The Youth Programs Division engages the next generation of park stewards (35 

years and younger) in a variety of employment, educational, and volunteerservice opportunities in national parks and NPS programs. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Oversees nationally funded youth internship, employment, and engagement 

programs that expose people ages 15–35 to diverse NPS experiences. 

■ Coordinates with national youth organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of 

America, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Student Conservation Association, 

and Youth Conservation Corp. 

■ Develops national guidance on youth employment. 

PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY THE DIVISION 

IN COORDINATION 

American Sign Language Conservation Crew Program (ASLP). Young 

people with hearing impairments work on maintenance projects in national 

parks in the Pacific West Region. These projects introduce participants to career 

opportunities with NPS and help Park staff recognize the ability and work ethic 

of these youth. 

www.nwyouthcorps.org/m/staff/ASLInclusionCrewStaff

Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC). Native American youth living 

on tribal lands near NPS sites join a conservation team. Youth create cultural 

enrichment and community development programs for the community in the 

areas of traditional farming, hiking and oral histories. 

http://sccorps.org/

Centennial Volunteer Ambassador Program. The Centennial Volunteer 

Ambassador is a 52-week internship position designed to support parks around 

the country in expanding volunteerism, service-learning and community engagement efforts. Ambassadors ages 18-35 support the Volunteers-In-Parks Program. 

www.nps.gov/getinvolved/centennial-volunteer-ambassador.htm

Cultural Resources Diversity Internships. This program offers summer 

internships in the cultural resources field with National Park Service units and 

administrative offices, other federal agencies, state historic preservation offices, 

local governments, and non-profit organizations. Intern sponsors provide work 

experiences that assist interns with building their resumes in this field.

www.crdip.org

Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Internships This program offers 3-month to 

year-long internships in the geosciences and other natural resource science 

fields for college students and recent graduates doing research, inventory and 

monitoring, interpretation and education programs in NPS units to help park 

staff better understand and manage its natural resources.

www.nature.nps.gov/geology/gip/index.cfm

The Girl Scout Ranger program invites girl scouts to connect with their environment and history, while engaging in fun and meaningful volunteer-service 

and educational activities that foster resource stewardship and leadership at 

national parks. 

www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/girlscoutranger.htm

Historically Black Colleges & Universities Internship (HBCUI) Program.

Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities work in various NPS 

park units and connect to the natural and cultural resource conservation field. 

www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/hbcui.htm

Latino Heritage Internship Program. This program advances employment 

opportunities in the NPS with a specific emphasis on cultural resource stewardship, interpretation, and community outreach. Interns are placed in parks and 

programs for 10 weeks in the summer. 

www.latinoheritageintern.com

Let’s Move! Outside (Play, Learn, Serve, Work). The Department of the 

Interior in collaboration with the YMCA of the USA and the National League 

of Cities (NLC) is working together to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing 

disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work. 

Participating YMCA locations incorporate new skills and engagement activities 

into their programming. 

www.ymca.net/letsmoveoutside

www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside

Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program (MIS). Diverse college 

students and recent graduates explore various careers in the STEM fields 

through science-based internships and career opportunities within the 

NPS. The internships are comprised of 11 weeks, working in a park 

followed by a week-long career workshop in Washington DC.

www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/mosaics.htm
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

25

National Park Business Plan and Consulting Internships. Graduate students 

in the MBA, MPA, MPP, environmental and/or public lands management fields 

participate in a summer program to explore consulting, park management, strategic and operational planning, commercial services, and public-private partnerships in national parks.

www.netimpact.org/programs/national-parks-business-plan-internship

National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE) internship. This 

internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience in cultural resource management programs in 

the National Park Service headquarters, field offices, parks, and in other federal 

agencies. Internships are available in the summer and during the school year. 

http://preservenet.cornell.edu/employ/ncpe.php 

NPS Academy. College students from diverse communities across the country 

are introduced to career opportunities within the NPS. This 10-week internship includes a week-long orientation at either Grand Teton National Park, New 

York City, or Alaska. 

www.thesca.org/npsa

Scout Ranger Resource Stewardship program invites scouts of all ages to 

participate in educational and/or volunteer service projects at national park sites 

to spark awareness of national parks and to provide scouts with the opportunity 

to learn more about protecting our natural and cultural resources. 

www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/scout-ranger.htm

Urban Archeology Corps. This program uses archeology as a vehicle for 

young people ages 16-25 to learn about urban national parks and surrounding 

communities. Youth conduct research projects in parks and with NPS programs 

across the United States. 

www.nps.gov/articles/urban-archeology-corps.htm

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). This program, geared for 15-18 year 

olds, offers 8-10 week summer conservation internships. Participants work on 

a variety of projects including exotic plant removal; constructing or repairing 

boardwalks, bridges, trails, campsites, fences; teaching environmental education 

programs; and habitat preservation.

www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/youthprograms/ycc.htm

INFORMATION

Youth Programs Division 

www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms

Students work with NPS staff and local partners 

on landscape improvements along the Alhambra 

Creek Botanical Trail in Martinez, California.
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

26

AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS 

NOT CURRENTLY FUNDED 

Historically Black Colleges & 

Universities Grant Program

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant program 

supports the identification, stabilization, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation 

and protection of historic HBCU campus structures that are considered to be 

the most historically significant and physically threatened. 

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides matching grant assistance to HBCUs for the documentation, 

stabilization, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and protection of 

historic campus buildings that are listed or eligible for listing on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

■ Funding for this program was last appropriated in 2009. 

INFORMATION

Historically Black College and Universities grant program 

www.nps.gov/preservation-grants/HBCU/index.html

Preserve America Grant Program 

The Preserve America grant program provides matching grants to designated 

Preserve America Communities and Certified Local Governments to support 

preservation efforts through heritage tourism, education, and historic preservation planning. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation manages the 

program and continues to designate Preserve America Communities.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers competitive matching funds awarded to Preserve America 

Communities and Neighborhoods, State Historic Preservation Offices, 

Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and Certified Local Governments. 

■ Funding was last appropriated in 2010; active grants continued through 2015. 

INFORMATION

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

www.nps.gov/preservation-grants/PreserveAmerica/index.html

Save America’s Treasures Grant Program 

The Federal Save America’s Treasures grants program began in 1999 to mark the 

beginning of the new millennium. The program helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage to 

future generations of Americans. The NPS administers the grants in partnership 

with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the 

Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the President’s 

Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Administers competitive matching grants to federal, state, local, and tribal 

governments, and nonprofit organizations. 

■ Funding was last appropriated in 2010; active grants continue through 2016. 

INFORMATION

State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

www.nps.gov/preservation-grants/sat/index.html

Urban Park and Recreation 

Recovery Program 

The mission of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program is to provide 

direct Federal assistance to urban localities for rehabilitation of critically needed 

recreation facilities.

ACTIVITIES 

■ Provides matching grants and technical assistance to economically distressed 

urban communities.

■ Funding was last appropriated in 2002.

INFORMATION

Urban Park and Recreation Recover Program

www.nps.gov/uparr/
27

Acknowledgements

The development of this directory was coordinated by Heather Scotten Passchier, National Heritage Areas Program and Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance 

Program and Elle O’Casey, Stewardship Institute and Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. Thank you to the following NPS program managers and 

experts for contributing to the development of this directory. 

Diana Allen, Chief, Healthy Parks Healthy People, Office of Public Health 

Erica Austin, National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, 

National Youth Programs Division

Kaisa Barthuli, Program Manager, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Lori Bianchet, Budget Analyst, Budget Formulation, Office of the Comptroller 

Paloma Bolasny, Youth Program Coordinator, Cultural Resources Office of 

Interpretation and Education

Jessica Bowron, Budget Formulation Chief, Budget Formulation and Strategic 

Planning, Office of the Comptroller

Megan Brown, Chief, State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division

Robert Bryson, Manager, Midwest Archeological Center

Bob Campbell, Chief, Planning & Development NPS Chesapeake Bay Office

Dave Conlin, Chief, Submerged Resources Center

Kirk Cordell, Executive Director, National Center for Preservation Technology 

and Training 

Martha Droge, Program Officer, State & Local Assistance Programs, 

Pacific West Region

Heather Eggleston, Program Manager, National Natural Landmarks Program 

Brian Goeken, Division Chief, Technical Preservation Services

Joan Harn, River Programs Manager, Hydropower Assistance Program and Wild 

and Scenic Rivers System Program 

Paul Hatchett, Chief, Planning and Stewardship Branch 

Paul Hawke, Chief, American Battlefield Protection Program 

Rita Hennessy, Program Manager, National Trails System Program

Anna Gibson Holloway, Maritime Historian, Park History Program 

Diane Keith, Regional Partnerships Coordinator, Midwest Region

Greg Kendrick, Assistant Regional Director, Partnerships & External Relations, 

Intermountain Region 

Kelly Spradley-Kurowski, Historian and Grants Manager, Maritime Heritage 

Program

Barbara Little, Program Manager, Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation 

and Education 

Paul Loether, Program Manager, National Historic Landmarks Program and 

National Register of Historic Places 

Joel Lynch, Chief, State and Local Assistance Program, Land and Water 

Conservation Fund Program

Deidre McCarthy, Chief, Cultural Resource GIS Facility 

Kristen McMasters, Archeologist and Grants Manager, American Battlefield 

Protection Program 
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

28

Diane Miller, National Coordinator, Network to Freedom Office

David Morgan, Director, Southeast Archaeological Center

Stephen Morris, Chief, Office of International Affairs

Teresa S. Moyer, Archeologist, Archeology Program

Krista Muddle, Regional Partnership Coordinator, Intermountain Region 

Ray Murray, Partnerships Program Chief, Pacific West Regional Office

Stephan Nofield, Program Manager, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance 

Program and National Coordinator for Challenge Cost Share Program 

Lisa Norby, Chief, Energy and Minerals Branch, Geologic Resources Division 

Melanie O’Brien, Manager, National NAGPRA Program

Richard O’Connor, Chief, Heritage Documentation Programs 

Wendy Ormont, State and Local Assistance Programs Division

Katie Orr, Education Coordinator, Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation

 and Education

Bob Page, Director, Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Heather Ramsay, Program Officer, National Park Service, State & Local Assistance 

Programs, Pacific West Region 

Martha Raymond, National Coordinator, National Heritage Areas Program Office

Alma Ripps, Chief, Policy Office 

Chris Robinson, Superintendent, Historic Preservation Training Center 

Linda Rosenblum, Education Program Manager, Servicewide Teacher Ranger 

Teacher Coordinator, Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Division 

Helen Scully, National Recreation Trails Coordinator, National Trails System Program

Robert K. Sutton, Chief Historian, Maritime Heritage Program

David Siegenthaler, Program Officer, State and Local Programs Division, 

Pacific West Region

Andrew Tremayne, Acting Manager, Shared Beringian Heritage Program

Alex Tremble, National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Youth 

Programs Division

Elizabeth Vehmeyer, Archeologist and Grants Management Specialist, American 

Battlefield Protection Program 

Joe Watkins, Chief, Tribal Relations & American Cultures; American Indian 

Liaison Officer

Timothy Watkins, Climate Change Science and Education Coordinator, RLC/CESU 

National Coordinator

Corita Waters, Water Trails Coordinator, National Trails System Program

Ernestine White, Service-Wide Volunteer and Youth Programs Coordinator, 

Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Division 

Jennifer Wyse, Senior Advisor, Office of the Associate Director, Natural Resource 

Stewardship and Science 

Morning on the Little River Blueway in the South Carolina National 

Heritage Corridor
29

PHOTO CREDITS FOR CHAPTER HEADINGS:

Page 1: Friendship of Salem at Derby Wharf, Essex National Heritage Area. 

Page 2: The historic Ma’alaea General Store reopened with assistance from the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program. 

Page 6: The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program engages youth in its community planning work. 

Page 27: Keet Seel (Kawestima), Navajo National Monument (Credit: al_hikesaz/Flickr)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

WORKS WITH COMMUNITIES PLEASE VISIT: 

GO.NPS.GOV/CAP