Awards & Recognition

Awards recognize the contributions of National Park Service employees, volunteers, and partners.

NPS/Emily Brouwer

Thousands of employees, volunteers, and partners are committed to ensuring that the National Park System represents America at its best. The men and women who make up the National Park Service embody the spirit of America—dedicated, creative, and hard-working people who care passionately about preserving the lands and cultures that epitomize our shared American heritage.

We're proud of our employees and those who work with us and their dedication and amazing diversity of skills and talents. It is our privilege to recognize and celebrate their outstanding achievements through awards.

Learn more about our employees or how you can join our team.

Featured National Awards

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  ARCHEOLOGY

  John L. Cotter Awards

  The John L. Cotter Awards recognize archeological accomplishments of National Park Service staff and partnership researchers.

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  Education

  Excellence in Education Awards

  This award recognizes innovation and adaptation within education program planning, development, and implementation.

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  INTERPRETATION

  Freeman Tilden Awards

  The Tilden Awards are presented to NPS employees for innovative contributions in interpretive programming.

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  NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES

  Natural and Cultural Resources Awards

  The Director's Awards for Natural and Cultural Resources recognizes outstanding stewardship in national parks.

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  PARTNERSHIPS

  James V. Murfin Awards

  The James V. Murfin Awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of partnerships and cooperating associations.

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  RANGERING

  Harry Yount Awards

  The Yount Awards honors individuals who exemplify the proud tradition of park rangering from a variety of career fields.

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  VOLUNTEERISM

  George & Helen Hartzog Awards

  The Hartzog Awards recognize the invaluable service of NPS volunteers and volunteer programs across the country.

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  WILDERNESS STEWARDSHIP

  Wes Henry Awards

  The Wes Henry Awards celebrate outstanding efforts and dedication to preserving wild lands.

Duration:

11 minutes, 41 seconds

The National Park Service and National Park Foundation hosted a ceremony on August 24, 2022, to honor the recipients of the Director's Service Awards, including the Freeman Tilden Awards, Harry Yount Award, George & Helen Hartzog Awards, James V. Murfin Awards, Wes Henry Awards, and Excellence in Education Awards.