The Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is announcing its latest round of Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund grants. These grants will support stewardship on public lands, expand recreation access, celebrate community heritage, and create more opportunities for people to experience America’s public lands and waters.
From expanding multi–use trails in Moab, Utah, to supporting on-the-ground stewardship efforts of over 6,000 volunteers for National Public Lands Day, Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund investments show what’s possible when private partners step up alongside federal investments and local communities to deliver real, visible improvements on BLM-managed lands.
“BLM-managed lands hold extraordinary, untapped potential to expand outdoor recreation access, especially for nearby communities,” said I Ling Thompson, CEO of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands. “The Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund is an innovative grant program that recognizes the importance of local stewardship and funds projects that reflect the people, communities, and local caretakers who make our public lands thrive.”
Spanning six states and nearly $165,000 in investments, the 2025 Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund projects demonstrate how private philanthropic support can deliver outsized impact on America’s public lands, particularly when done in collaboration with the communities that care for them. From trailheads and river access sites to youth education programs and recreation infrastructure, these investments help unlock on-the-ground improvements that might otherwise be delayed or out of reach.
2025 Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund Projects:
White Mountains Trailhead
Alaska | White Mountains National Recreation Area
Located just one hour outside of Fairbanks, this Recreation Area is home to more than 250 miles of winter trails, recreation cabins, and shelters. The White Mountains National Recreation Area supports year-round recreation, foraging, hunting, fishing, and community use. This project will upgrade signage and improve shelters and cabins, supporting local guides, schools, Tribal communities, and partners who rely on this vital recreation area.
Sullivan Bridge Recreation Site Improvements
Montana | Marias River, Glacier County
Located along the Marias River, this project will improve access roads, boat launches, parking, restrooms, signage, and camping amenities. Investments will also include food-storage infrastructure to reduce human–wildlife conflicts, enhancing safety and access at this remote recreation site.
Expansion of 9-Hole Disc Golf Course to 18 Holes
Nevada | Winnemucca
This project expands an existing disc golf course into a full 18-hole layout, creating the only disc golf course within 100 miles. The expansion will meet growing recreation demand, support community events, and attract visitors who benefit local businesses.
Ward Mountain Disc Golf Course Improvements
Nevada | Ely
Located west of Ely, the Ward Mountain Disc Golf Course is upgrading tee pads from dirt and gravel to durable pavers. Foundation funding will complete the remaining tee upgrades, with labor provided in-kind by the local disc golf community.
Chimney Rock Days Educational Program
Oregon | Crooked Wild and Scenic River
Returning after a five-year pause, Chimney Rock Days reconnects Crook County fourth graders with public lands through an educational field trip tradition that dates back to 1982. Funding will refresh supplies and support the program’s return to the community.
Mud Springs Trail System (Phase 1)
Utah | Moab
A multi-phase, stacked-loop mountain bike trail system designed for riders of all abilities, including adaptive cyclists and youth programs. Phase 1 includes nearly 10 miles of trails and a multi-use trailhead, with future phases expanding connectivity and recreation opportunities in the region.
Accessibility Improvements at Colorado River Day Use Site
Utah | Moab
Located along the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway, this project will improve accessibility by connecting existing pathways and facilities. Enhancements will better serve visitors of all abilities while preserving scenic river access.
Wayfinding for Old Quarry Trails
Wyoming | Newcastle
This growing trail system near Newcastle, Wyoming offers year-round hiking and biking access due to its south-facing terrain. New wayfinding signage will improve safety and navigation as trail use continues to increase.
National Public Lands Day
Nationwide
This is the largest annual volunteer event held on public lands. The Foundation’s support helped the BLM host 119 events, engaging an estimated 6,000 volunteers in projects that restore trails, protect ecosystems, and improve recreation access.
About Lands to Love®
Lands to Love® Catalyst Fund is an innovative grant program that recognizes the importance of local stewardship and funds projects that reflect the people, communities, and local caretakers who make our public lands thrive.
The Lands to Love ® Catalyst Fund is made possible through the generosity of private charitable donations. Support of the catalyst fund helps advance stewardship across America’s public lands. This philanthropy not only supports Lands to Love® efforts but also helps catalyze additional investments in recreation, habitat, and community stewardship across BLM managed lands and waters. The Foundation is deeply grateful to the donors whose continued belief in this work makes both these projects, and many more, possible.
About the Foundation
As the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Foundation for America’s Public Lands serves as a convener, partner, and fundraising catalyst to help ensure the health and stewardship of America’s public lands and waters today, and for the future.
To learn more about the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, visit americaslands.org.
