NPLSF@20: Celebrating the wildlife, water, land and people of Lake Superior

For 20 years, the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) has championed one of the most extraordinary freshwater ecosystems on Earth. Lake Superior holds 10% of the world’s surface freshwater—more than all the other Great Lakes combined—touching three U.S. states and one Canadian province. Stewardship of this globally significant ecosystem is our shared responsibility.

As the official philanthropic partner of the lake’s five extraordinary national parks, NPLSF has worked hand in hand with park superintendents, Tribal governments, and local partners since 2006 to protect these irreplaceable Landscapes. 

Throughout 2026, NPLSF will commemorate our anniversary year with stories about our accomplishments and the many people and organizations who have been and continue to be at the center of our work.

As we kick off our twentieth anniversary, we are the most excited about the future.

At this moment we are poised to expand our work, with groundbreaking initiatives that include:

The Northern Moose Alliance, an innovative collaboration led by NPLSF, Tribal governments, state agencies, and conservation partners to research and support our region’s struggling moose population—including hiring a dedicated moose biologist and advancing habitat restoration research.

Park resilience work that features transitioning to renewable energy, electric trail maintenance equipment, and energy efficiency across park facilities to improve safety and reduce costs.

Environmental education programs for Native youth, delivering immersive, land- and water-based education that connects ecology, history, and cultural heritage for Indigenous youth.

Cultural heritage interpretation and storytelling from new exhibits at the Hat Point Ferry Building in Grand Portage to the popular Lake Superior Podcast highlighting the fascinating people, places, wildlife, and culture of our big lake and its parks.

People who love Lake Superior and its parks have made an incredible difference in our work and we hope you will join our next chapter!!

About NPLSF

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.

To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.