Western National Parks expands stewardship into Coronado National Forest

The transition, which began July 17, 2026, marks a significant shift for the organization. After nearly 90 years of supporting the National Park Service, the group is now applying its philanthropic model to these forest lands. President and CEO Marie Buck stated that the nonprofit will leverage its experience to curate interpretive materials and contextually relevant merchandise, with proceeds directly reinvesting into research, visitor services, and land stewardship.

Santa Catalina District Ranger Donato DelMastro noted that the partnership aligns with the broader "Sabino Reimagined" initiative aimed at elevating the visitor experience. While the nonprofit assumes responsibility for the stores—including the sale of Sabino Canyon Crawler tickets—it intends to maintain the legacy established by the Public Lands Interpretive Association. The organization plans to work closely with existing volunteers and Forest Service staff to integrate educational programming into the retail environment, ensuring that every purchase functions as a direct contribution to the preservation of the Catalina Highway corridor and surrounding natural habitats.