WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been an essential tool to connect kids and families with nature for more than half a century, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which expires at the end of September, has invested in urban parks, baseball fields, walking and biking trails alongside historic sites, national parks and other open spaces.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped millions of American families connect with nature and enjoy our wildlife heritage — from their neighborhood parks to historical battlefields to pristine backcountry,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, associate vice president for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This wildly successful program is at risk of expiring in just a month, as more kids need more than ever to connect with nature. It is essential that Congress act to permanently reauthorize and fully fund this critical program.”

The new report outlines how the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which utilizes fees on oil and gas revenues from the outer continental shelf and has zero cost to taxpayers, has funded public lands within reach to the public. Projects have ranged from a playground in Billings, Montana, for children with disabilities to Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin.

“Since 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported adventures big and small for families and children across the nation,” the report reads. “Let’s reauthorize and fully fund this amazing resource that benefits us all. We owe it to America’s children to keep the adventures coming.”

Read the full report at nwf.org/LWCFKids and learn how the Land and Water Conservation Fund has invested in communities in all 50 states by clicking HERE.