Yosemite Half Marathon

Donate to Running for Fun(ding), benefitting the National Park Conservation Association, as Maddie and Brandon prepare to run in the Yosemite Half Marathon!

We're raising money to support the National Park Conservation Association by registering for a Charity Bib for this event. We have until April 26, 2025 to reach our goal.

Our beloved national parks are in peril. Historically understaffed and underfunded, prior to January 2025, the National Park Service was scarcely able to fulfill it's mission. Without the small cohort of passionate but overworked NPS staff members, "Americas Best Idea" would've met its demise long ago. Now, as 1,000 staff members receive their termination letters, our parks face imminent danger. 

The NPS lost rangers, scientists, maintenance crew members, administrators, and interpreters; people who have uprooted their lives to educate visitors and maintain trails. These are the people who keep our parks clean, healthy and safe. It doesn't happen naturally. 

We chose to raise funds for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonprofit advocating for our prized public lands. The NPCA vocalizes the plight of park stewards, or those working to conserve and preserve our iconic natural, historic, and cultural resources, to Congress.

As news of NPS personnel cuts flooded our social media, we wanted to do something special to rally behind a cause that's near and dear to our hearts. Maddie has been studying the implications of budgetary constraints on NPS employees in graduate school, and together, we've had many magical experiences exploring national parks across the country. Join us in supporting those who work tirelessly so we can recreate safely, responsibly, and freely. 

Thank you for donating and supporting our parks! And remember, without Park people, there is no Park Service. 

Do More

• Email Congress

• Learn about Leave No Trace principles 

• Find an advocacy group for your favorite National Park and get involved

Double Your Donation Today

Does your company have a gift-matching program? Check with your HR department to see if your company matches employee gifts. If they do, take advantage of this opportunity to double your contribution today!

Please note that all funds including matching gifts and checks must be received by April 26, 2025 to be counted towards our fundraising goal. Donations must also have the name Maddie Cottrell associated with the donation so funds can be allocated accordingly.

The Wander Project Tax ID number is: 83-1778644