Americans Claim Free "Shares" in National Parks to Pro...

What if you could own shares in Yosemite or claim stock in your favorite hiking trail? That's exactly what a new campaign is offering Americans, and it's already turning heads in Times Square.

From March 27 to May 30, conservation groups United by Nature and Nature Is Nonpartisan are letting people claim free symbolic shares in public lands across the country. Each share represents a vote for a favorite location, from major national parks to local trails, and supporters receive a certificate of ownership for the land they already help fund with their tax dollars.

The campaign, called Going Public, tracks participation through a live ticker in Times Square. Shares climb a public leaderboard based on how many people support each location, creating a friendly competition between America's most beloved natural spaces.

Here's the meaningful part: when the market closes on June 1, locations with the most shares will earn contributions for local restoration efforts. Remaining funds will support public lands nationwide, turning symbolic support into real conservation dollars.

The campaign addresses a striking disconnect. Nearly 90% of voters believe parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife areas are essential to their quality of life, yet political decisions continue to threaten these spaces. Americans collectively own 640 million acres of public land, about 28% of the nation's total area, funded through their federal taxes.

The Ripple Effect

Going Public is doing more than raising money. Nature Is Nonpartisan plans to compile a report showing participation numbers from each state and congressional district, giving lawmakers concrete data about constituent support for conservation.

"People don't engage with the outdoors because of politics," says Benji Backer, founder of Nature Is Nonpartisan. "They engage with it because it brings them joy, and they want our nation's immense beauty to be conserved for future generations."

The campaign deliberately sidesteps partisan divides by focusing on shared love for natural spaces. Whether you're conservative or progressive, chances are you have a canyon, forest, or shoreline that shaped who you are.

Supporters can boost their share's standing with optional donations, but claiming a share costs nothing. The barrier to participation is intentionally low because the goal is visibility, showing leaders that constituents are paying attention.

The initiative comes at a critical moment for public lands, as budget cuts and policy changes threaten conservation funding. By borrowing the language and energy of the stock market, Going Public makes environmental advocacy feel accessible, even fun.

Those interested can claim shares through the campaign website, choosing from hundreds of locations or suggesting new ones. It's a simple action that sends a clear message: these lands matter, and Americans are watching.