(News) In celebration of National Park Week, the National Park Foundation – the official charity of America's national parks – received a $500,000 grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to help connect kids and families to nature through America's national parks. Disney's investment will go specifically to the National Park Foundation's "Ticket to Ride" and "America's Best Idea" programs, which will help kids explore the outdoors by providing transportation to and supporting community projects at national parks around the country."We realize that funding for transportation is one of the greatest barriers preventing children from experiencing a national park field trip," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Disney's support has helped make it possible for us to engage thousands of young people in life changing park experiences, and ultimately inspiring the next generation of park enthusiasts."The National Park Foundation launched "Ticket To Ride" earlier this year. Disney is the first corporate partner to join in the program's mission, allowing tens of thousands of young people to experience America's national parks this spring.

read more: Disney gives US National Park Foundation $500,000 grant