Western National Parks Announces 2024-2025 Award Honorees and Research Grant Recipients

Recognizing the changemakers preserving and protecting national parks through science, education and stewardship.

TUCSON, Ariz, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Western National Parks (WNP) proudly recognizes the individuals and research efforts shaping the future of national parks. From scientific discoveries to inspiring storytelling and transformative education, these honorees embody the spirit of innovation and stewardship that protects America's treasured landscapes.

2024 Outstanding Contributions to National Parks

Emil W. Haury Lifetime Achievement Award: William Gibson Parker

For over two decades, William Gibson Parker has been a pioneering force in paleontology, transforming our understanding of prehistoric life at Petrified Forest National Park. His fieldwork has uncovered hundreds of fossil specimens, including 13 species new to science, contributing to over 100 publications and more than 3,200 citations.

Parker's legacy extends beyond his research—his collaborations with filmmakers, authors and educators have made paleontology accessible to the public, ensuring that his discoveries reach classrooms, museums and documentaries. His ability to bring the ancient past to life has inspired countless students, scientists and visitors to look at the world through a new lens.

"From helping the world better understand extinctions long past, to working to prevent a modern one, Bill Parker's legacy exemplifies the finest spirit of the National Park Service mission," said nominator Dave Velk. 

WNP honors Parker not just for his extraordinary contributions to paleontology but for the lasting impact he has had in sharing the wonders of our planet's ancient past with the world. His work ensures that the stories of these ancient landscapes will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and conservationists.

Edward B. Danson Award: Tom Medema

For more than three decades, Tom Medema has been a transformative leader in public lands and conservation, shaping how millions engage with national parks. From his start as a volunteer intern at Rocky Mountain National Park, Medema's leadership has inspired over 4,000 rangers and 120,000 volunteers, helping engage millions of visitors in the wonders of national parks every year. His work sparked youth engagement, expanded access and drove policy innovation within the National Park Service.

Medema's influence extends beyond his leadership—his ability to foster collaboration and champion diverse voices has helped raise awareness of the importance of national parks for all communities and the untold stories they hold. His legacy lies not only in his dedication to protecting these lands but also in his ability to inspire others to see parks as vital, cherished spaces.

Now retired from the National Park Service, WNP honors Medema not just for his extraordinary contributions to public lands but for the countless individuals he has inspired to advocate for, protect and engage with national parks. His impact is immeasurable, ensuring that the legacy of these parks will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Stewart L. Udall Award: Maddie Pellman

Maddie Pellman has been a dynamic force in elevating the visibility of park leadership and the vital work behind managing national parks. As the creator of the podcast Who Runs This Park, she has spotlighted National Park Service superintendents and their crucial roles in stewarding public lands. Through compelling interviews, Pellman has elevated the stories of park leaders and partners, inspiring broader public support for national parks. With over 15,000 downloads and a growing following, Pellman's podcast is helping ensure that the stories of national parks reach new and diverse audiences. WNP honors Pellman for her innovative work in connecting communities with the mission of national parks.

2025 WNP Research Grants

National parks serve as living laboratories where research drives conservation, resilience and discovery. This year's grants support vital studies—from climate change and ecosystem health to endangered species protection—offering insights that will help preserve these treasured landscapes for generations to come.

The following projects have been awarded funding for this year:

Channel Islands National Park researchers are studying how species and ecosystems adapt to a changing climate.

Coronado National Memorial conducts investigations on border wall impacts affecting wildlife migration and connectivity.

Chiricahua National Monument & Coronado National Memorial are expanding bat conservation through White-Nose Syndrome research and public education.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area focuses on enhancing botanical interpretation to deepen visitor understanding of the region's flora.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area analyzes microbial life in thermal ecosystems and how human activity affects fragile hot spring environments.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve employs genomics to understand how American Pikas respond to climate change in the southern Rocky Mountains.

Saguaro National Park continues an 83-year-old study on saguaro cacti, representing one of the world's most extensive long-term plant-monitoring projects.

To learn more about the WNP Research Grant program, visit https://wnpa.org/what-we-do/research.

A Future Fueled by Passion, Knowledge and Stewardship

"The future of national parks depends on the passion, dedication and expertise of those committed to their preservation," said Marie Buck, President and CEO of WNP. "These extraordinary awardees and research teams exemplify the power of curiosity, perseverance and unwavering dedication to preserving our shared cultural heritage and the natural world."

To learn more about WNP's awards, grants and scholarship program, visit https://wnpa.org/what-we-do/wnp-awards-grants-scholarships.

About WNP

Western National Parks helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, WNP supports parks across the West, developing products, services and programs that enhance the visitor experience, understanding and appreciation of national parks. Since 1938 WNP has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time. Learn more https://wnp.org/.

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SOURCE Western National Parks