Today, National Heritage Areas and the National Park Service are making an impact nationwide: Read the our 2025 Annual Report!
National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are places designated by the U.S. Congress where historic, natural and cultural resources combine to form a nationally significant landscape. The National Heritage Area System expands on traditional conservation approaches by supporting large-scale, community-driven initiatives that engage communities in heritage preservation activities. NHA entities collaborate with stakeholders to determine how to make heritage relevant to local needs and interests. These entities serve as catalysts for community and economic development with financial and technical assistance from the National Park Service.
National Heritage Areas are places where small investments pay huge dividends, providing demonstrable benefits in communities across the country and in partnership with our national parks.
Below is a snapshot of the National Heritage Areas System Impact in 2025. Data presented here is from reports submitted by 60 of the 62 NHAs.
Wide Ranging Impacts in 2025
NHAs continued to serve communities and support their partners.
- Leveraged $74 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, creating over a 2.5 times impact of the $28.1 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
- Engaged 2,704 formal partners and 4,788 informal partners in heritage area activities.
- Benefited from 24,466 volunteers contributing over 350,950 hours for heritage area projects equaling over an $11.5 million value.
Preserving our Heritage. Across the country, National Heritage Areas and their partners are reviving historic downtowns, preserving large landscapes and cultural practices, and sharing our nation’s history through the arts.
- 315 historic sites and over 10,000 acres of cultural landscapes preserved and maintained, including battlefields.
- 106 collections projects undertaken, including the conservation of artifacts and creation of oral histories.
- 85 historic preservation grants awarded totaling over $1.2 million.
Recreation and Conservation. Through recreational projects such as access to land and water trails, National Heritage Areas are improving connectivity and accessibility, creating more vibrant and healthy communities. Through collaborative conservation activities, National Heritage Area entities and their partners are improving air and water quality and supporting healthy ecosystems.
- 194 recreation projects undertaken.
- 1025 miles of trails maintained, and 10 new miles of trails developed.
- 60 recreation grants awarded totaling over $1.1 million.
- 9,486 acres of land restored and maintained via invasive species removal, replanting, and site clean-ups.
- 46 conservation grants awarded totaling over $800,000.
Educating Current and Future Leaders. National Heritage Areas and their partners are providing meaningful and inspirational connections to our nation’s history and heritage through opportunities for middle and high school students.
- Capacity-building assistance provided to 1,149 organizations.
- 307 educational program offerings developed.
- 327 grants to support educational programs awarded totaling over $2.2 million
Review previous year numbers:
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area launched the Discover Niagara Shuttle, connecting visitors to over 12 heritage area destinations.
Through the iTowpath project, Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is enhancing the Towpath Trail with urban partners.
The Blue Ridge Music Trail guides visitors through the traditional music of the North Carolina mountains and foothills.
Last updated: October 1, 2026