How to Stay Informed and Advocate for Public Lands and Native Plant Ecosystems
Protecting our national parks and public lands requires active participation from all of us. To ensure the preservation of native plant ecosystems, staying informed about legislative actions and advocating for stronger protections is essential. This guide provides resources to help you track environmental bills, engage with policymakers, and take meaningful action.
Where to Track Environmental Bills
GovTrack – A free tool that allows you to track U.S. federal legislation, set up alerts, and follow representatives’ voting records on conservation issues.
Congress.gov – The official source for federal legislative information, including bill summaries, texts, and legislative actions.
League of Conservation Voters (LCV) – A nonprofit that scores lawmakers based on their environmental voting records and highlights key legislative battles.
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) – Provides updates on policies that impact national parks, along with action alerts for public involvement.
The Nature Conservancy – Offers insights into conservation policies, state and federal legislative updates, and environmental advocacy opportunities.
How to Advocate for Stronger Environmental Protections
1. Contact Your Representatives
Your elected officials need to hear from you! Express your support for public lands and native ecosystems by:
Calling or emailing your members of Congress through congress.gov
Using the 5 Calls platform for issue-specific scripts and contact information
Attending town halls or public forums to voice concerns about environmental legislation
2. Sign Petitions & Engage in Public Comment
Many conservation organizations launch petitions to influence policymakers. Keep an eye on:
Earthjustice – Offers petitions and legal actions supporting environmental justice.
Center for Biological Diversity – Focuses on protecting native species and their habitats.
Regulations.gov – The official U.S. government platform for public comments on proposed environmental rules and policies.
3. Volunteer & Support
Many hands make light work! Consider getting involved with:
National Park Service Volunteer Portal – Find opportunities to restore trails, protect native plants, and educate visitors.
Seeding Sovereignty - A multi-lens collective working to disrupt colonized spaces and protect people and planet.
Sierra Club – Organizes grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts.
Indigenous Environmental Network – Advocates for indigenous-led conservation and environmental justice.
4. Stay Engaged & Spread the Word
Subscribe to newsletters from advocacy groups to receive updates on environmental policies and advocacy opportunities.
Follow environmental journalists and advocacy groups on social media for real-time news and calls to action.
Educate your community about native plants, public land issues, and the importance of ecological stewardship.
Be a Voice for the Land
Legislation shapes the future of our ecosystems. By staying informed and advocating for stronger environmental protections, we can ensure that public lands, native plants, and biodiversity thrive for generations to come.
Speak up, take action, and help protect the natural world.
