Many of us have childhood memories of running freely outside, playing in creeks, catching bugs, and reveling in the beauty of nature. However, many of today's children are not connected to the outdoors in the same way. Attendance at America's parks and forests has declined steadily each year since the late 1980s.

To counter that trend, NPT has launched a new innovative environmental program called Where's Buddy Bison Been?^TM which encourages children and their families to get outside and share their American Park Experience.

Vision for Buddy Bison

We see Buddy Bison - NPT's fuzzy brown plush toy mascot - as the symbol and ambassador for visiting, exploring and protecting our nation's parks.

Anyone can participate. First you need to get your own Buddy Bison (click his logo), and then share your experience.

Send us pictures of you and Buddy Bison in our nation's local, state and national parks to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We'll feature them on our website, along with stories, songs or drawings that he has inspired. Buddy Bison's Facebook page,  Google map and Twitter page allow his friends to follow him wherever he roams. Make sure to become a ‘fan' of Buddy Bison on Facebook

Where's Buddy Bison Been?^TM School Pilot Program

The Where's Buddy Bison Been?^TM program has also been launched across the country in schools. Educators hand out Buddy Bison to students who bring him along as they explore one of our country's national, state or local parks. Accompanying Buddy Bison is a tool kit that provides educators with curriculum ideas, park maps, resource guides and activity sheets, allowing teachers to easily incorporate Buddy Bison into existing academic programming. Click here for a list of the pilot schools and here to see the Pilot School Photo Galleries.

Buddy Bison's Values
By being a part of this national movement, you join Buddy Bison in his core values:

• To visit, learn about and love our nation's local, state and national parks
• To become a champion of our parks' protection
• To share your American Park Experience with your family, friends and community
• To be a good steward of the environment
• To get outdoors and be active in our parks

Youth of all ages are invited to participate and feel part of a national movement to reconnect with our nation's parks and to realize NPT's vision that ‘Everyone will have an American Park Experience'.