Trust for Public Land LinkedIn highlights conservation and equity initiatives; Tacoma schoolyards transformed into green spaces, Louisiana's first wildlife management area, and Dallas $100M green space campaign expand outdoor access in 2025

June 13, 2025 (Trust for Public Land (via LinkedIn)) –

Trust for Public Land (TPL) posted 8 LinkedIn updates from June 6 to June 13, 2025. The organization's posts covered a range of topics, including park equity, land conservation, public land protection, and community engagement. Let's explore the key areas of focus for TPL during this period.

Park Equity and Community Schoolyards

TPL continues to make significant strides in improving park equity through its Community Schoolyards program. In Tacoma, Washington, the organization transformed schoolyards at Whitman Elementary and Mann Elementary into vibrant green spaces. These projects benefit 850 students and provide 5,200 residents with access to green space within a 10-minute walk. This initiative not only enhances the learning environment for students but also addresses the park equity gap in Tacoma, the second-largest city in the Puget Sound region.

Tacoma schoolyards transformed into community spaces

Land Conservation and Wildlife Management

TPL is actively involved in preserving natural habitats and creating new recreational opportunities. In Allen Parish, Louisiana, the organization is helping to establish the area's first wildlife management area. This 420-acre project, supported by various partners, will offer residents and visitors access to hunting, birding, hiking, and wildlife photography. The site is particularly significant as it contains the only old-growth longleaf pines in the state, preserving a unique piece of Louisiana's rural heritage for future generations.

In another conservation effort, TPL is facilitating the expansion of Bogue Chitto State Park in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The park will grow by over 800 acres, increasing its size by 45% to more than 2,593 acres. This expansion will allow for the development of up to 35 miles of additional trails, enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities and access to nature for residents and visitors.

Louisiana's first wildlife management area
Bogue Chitto State Park expansion

Protecting Public Lands

TPL is at the forefront of efforts to protect public lands from privatization. The organization is rallying support to counter growing threats to public land access. In collaboration with onXmaps, Inc., TPL is urging Congress to keep public lands in public hands through a petition campaign. This initiative aims to preserve the vital role of public lands in recreation, biodiversity, and equitable access to the outdoors.

The urgency of this campaign was underscored by recent developments in Congress. TPL advocates successfully halted a proposal to sell off hundreds of thousands of acres of federal public land in the West. However, a new threat emerged with the reintroduction of a plan to sell millions of acres of federal land to fund a tax cut package. TPL's President and CEO, Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, emphasized the clear public opposition to such land selloffs.

Petition to protect public lands
Opposing federal land selloff proposals

Community Engagement and Urban Initiatives

TPL's commitment to community engagement is evident in its urban initiatives. In Dallas, the organization is spearheading a campaign to raise $100 million for enhancing outdoor access in communities. The recent opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Park marks a significant milestone in this effort. This initiative, dubbed "Greener Dallas, Greater Dallas," aims to ensure that Dallas residents have equitable access to green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Dallas green space campaign gains momentum

Historical Preservation and Reconciliation

TPL is also involved in preserving sites of historical and cultural significance. Near Chattanooga, the organization is working to protect and honor The Field, a once-forgotten burial ground for hundreds of Black residents, many of whom were laid to rest during segregation. This project goes beyond green space preservation, aiming to create a site for truth, memory, and reconciliation. TPL's efforts highlight the importance of remembering and honoring often overlooked aspects of community history.

Preserving The Field: A site of memory

Research and Advocacy

TPL continues to leverage data and research to inform its advocacy efforts. The organization's annual ParkScore rankings provide valuable insights into park access and quality across the United States. In a recent podcast episode, Bianca Clarke, Associate Vice President of TPL's 10-Minute Walk Program & Parks Initiative, discussed how the ParkScore 2025 report focused on togetherness, connection, and unity. This data-driven approach helps motivate partners and community members to foster joy, wellbeing, and unity through improved outdoor access.

ParkScore insights foster community connection

Trust for Public Land's LinkedIn activity during this period showcases an organization deeply committed to conservation, equity, and community engagement. From transforming schoolyards and expanding state parks to protecting public lands and preserving historical sites, TPL continues to lead efforts in creating a more equitable and sustainable outdoor environment for all.