Vermont Parks Forever Continues Program Providing Free Day-Use Entry to State Parks for Eligible Vermonters in 2026

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2026

Contact: Sarah Alberghini Winters, Executive Director, info@vermontparksforever.org

MONTPELIER, VT — Vermont Parks Forever, the only non-profit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks, is excited to announce the success of its first-in-the-nation, privately funded pilot program that provided over 30,000 free day-use visits to Vermont State Parks in 2025. This program, for eligible Vermonters with lower income, will continue in 2026.

In partnership with Vermont State Parks, the Department for Children and Families’ Economic Services Division, and the Department of Health’s WIC Program, this initiative will run again from the end of May through October and is available to families and individuals receiving services through the Economic Services Division and WIC. This pilot program is an expansion of Vermont Parks Forever’s Park Access Fund that has been creating a more equitable outdoor experience since 2016.

Student volunteers at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College analyzed the first year of this pilot program. Of the participants surveyed, 75% wouldn't have been able to go to the state parks without this program, 2/3 reported they were able to go more often because of this program, and over 99% will use this program in 2026 to visit the parks.

A participant in 2025 shared, “This program has made a big difference for my family. Free access to state parks allows us to get outside, stay active, and spend quality time together in nature, something we couldn’t afford without it. It’s been very important for our health and wellness and truly gives us access we wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Vermont individuals and families enrolled in Reach Up, 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, General Assistance, Essential Person Program, Summer EBT, and WIC are eligible for unlimited free day-use entry to Vermont State Parks again in 2026. Camping and equipment rentals are not included. For more on how to use this pilot program visit: www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot

Fundraising is ongoing to ensure the continuation of this program. Contributions are welcome at: www.vermontparksforever.org/give-park-access or by contacting Vermont Parks Forever at info@vermontparksforever.org.

Vermont Parks Forever extends a special thank you to Scott Brown of Hanover, New Hampshire for shepherding this idea.

“Vermont’s state parks are for everyone. This pilot program will strengthen the health of our communities and make it easier for more Vermonters to enjoy the outdoors,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Executive Director of Vermont Parks Forever. “We all benefit from time spent in Vermont's beautiful state parks!”

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Vermont Parks Forever was founded in 2013 as a non-profit foundation to enhance and protect Vermont’s state parks by inspiring stewardship of natural places, providing educational experiences, and improving access for those who would otherwise be unable to experience all the benefits state parks have to offer. www.vermontparksforever.org

Vermont Parks Forever’s Park Access Fund has been creating a more equitable outdoor experience since 2016. Over the past decade, the Park Access Fund has provided over 90,000 free days to the state parks to over 60 community partners throughout Vermont. This pilot program is a privately funded expansion to the Park Access Fund. To see the impact the Park Access Fund has on Vermonters: www.vermontparksforever.org/park-access-fund