Trust for Public Land Celebrates 50 Years of Ensuring Outdoor Access for All

On the scenic Pier 27, Trust for Public Land (TPL) is poised to mark the close of its golden anniversary on Saturday, December 2, 2023. This landmark celebration will commence with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner, awards ceremony, and special recognitions that both celebrate TPL’s storied history and its vision for the future. Pier 27 will be transformed into a bustling street fair, mirroring the rich tapestry of cultures in the San Francisco Bay Area. Guests will embark on a sensory journey through food stations that celebrate diverse culinary traditions, accompanied with performances by Jiten Daiko Drummers and the Oakland Youth Choir.

Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Community Champions

Trust for Public Land will honor outstanding leaders and communities whose tireless work and advocacy have significantly propelled TPL’s mission of land for people.

“As we chart the course for future generations, this celebration underscores our relentless commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to parks and natural spaces,” said TPL President and CEO Diane Regas. “The work of our honorees reflects the dedication and vision that has powered TPL for five decades.”

Trust for Public Land 50th Anniversary Golden Compass Awardees:

• Keith Weaver: An advocate for outdoor equity, Weaver’s strategic vision and commitment have led to significant advancements in Trust for Public Land’s mission, particularly in enriching and elevating outdoor spaces that celebrate Black American history and culture. His achievements have been pivotal in shaping landscapes that not only honor Black heritage but also actively contribute to the empowerment and revitalization of Black communities.
• Martha Wyckoff & Jerry Tone: Together, Wyckoff and Tone have significantly bolstered the Trust for Public Land’s Black History and Culture, Indigenous and Tribal Lands Programs, and the Next Generation of Land Conservation Professionals programs, thus cementing their indelible mark on the Trust’s enduring legacy. Their three-decades of support and combined efforts have not only protected countless acres of land but also ensured that the story of outdoor access in the United States is one of inclusivity and opportunity.

The 50th Anniversary People’s Champion Awardees:

• Klamath Tribes (Chiloquin, Oregon): Through collaborative efforts with TPL, they have significantly revitalized the Chiloquin Schoolyard for their community and inspired a continent-wide initiative to transform and improve Tribal schoolyards.
• Equipo Verde (South Los Angeles): This community-led group has skillfully transformed neglected urban spaces into thriving community green spaces, showcasing the resilient spirit of South Los Angeles communities.
• Parque Padrinos (South Wenatchee, Washington): Their expansive work not only rejuvenated Kiwanis Methow Park but also fostered a substantial community change, setting a precedent for community betterment through local action.

Public Land for Public Good Award:

• Senator Martin Heinrich (New Mexico): A key figure in the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, Senator Heinrich has been a dynamic force in land conservation, impacting public lands and communities across New Mexico and beyond. His involvement in vital projects like L Bar Ranch and Sabinoso Wilderness area underscores his deep commitment to preserving our nation’s natural heritage. Furthermore, his leadership on community and Tribal schoolyards reflects his commitment to ensure healthy communities and outdoor access for all.

Reflecting on TPL’s Accomplishments

TPL’s legacy began in the heart of California, with projects in Los Angeles and San Francisco that cascaded into nationwide initiatives. The organization played a pivotal role in safeguarding renowned landscapes, including the iconic Yosemite. Closer to the urban core, places like San Francisco’s Boeddeker Park exemplify TPL’s commitment. Moreover, over 200,000 acres of Indigenous ancestral lands have and been protected and returned in partnership with Tribes, and dozens of significant Black history sites, such as the neighborhood of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, now stand preserved for future generations. Urban greening has also been a focal point, with hundreds of asphalt schoolyards transformed into vibrant green community spaces.

Reflecting and Looking Ahead

As we look forward, addressing the outdoor equity gap remains a pressing challenge. Startling statistics show that 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to a park near their homes home, a disparity that is more pronounced among people of color and low-income communities. TPL’s pioneering work is crucial in bridging this gap, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the right to outdoor spaces and their benefits.

Join Us

For more information on TPL’s mission and work, please visit tpl.org.

About the Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.