Why America’s lesser known national parks matter now more than ever

In this episode, Aaron and Kate are joined by Jesse Chakrin, Executive Director of the Fund for People in Parks . They discuss how his organization supports smaller, overlooked national park sites across the West through philanthropy and partnerships. From multilingual signage to junior ranger programs in American Samoa, Jesse shares how they’re making parks more accessible and welcoming while navigating an increasingly challenging political environment. Plus, oil prices top $100 a barrel as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum becomes the “Where’s Waldo” of the Trump administration. News Trump’s energy ‘tiger team’ struggles to find its roar with Iran – Politico Trump official rips Americans who care about public land: ‘Financially illiterate’ – Raw Story ‘Sell-off Steve’ Pearce BLM nomination advances – Center for Western Priorities Resources The Fund for People in Parks Watch this episode on YouTube Produced by Aaron Weiss, Kate Groetzinger, Lauren Bogard, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org Music: Purple Planet Featured image: Honouliuli National Historic Site, National Park Service The post Why America’s lesser known national parks matter now more than ever appeared first on Center for Western Priorities .

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Why America’s lesser known national parks matter now more than ever is an episode from Go West, Young Podcast by Center for Western Priorities.

This episode is 41:13 long.

This episode was published on Mar 12, 2026.

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