WNP wins the 2026 Outstanding Public Engagement Award from the Public Lands Alliance
February 26, 2026, Tucson, Arizona // Western National Parks (WNP) is incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Outstanding Public Engagement Award from Public Lands Alliance for The National Park Experience Pavilion at the Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB)!
This recognition reflects the extraordinary teamwork behind The Pavilion — with special congratulations to the entire Philanthropy and Programming team for their vision and leadership, and the Retail team, whose drive and innovation help bring The Pavilion to life. And many thanks to all WNP teams across the organization, community volunteers, panelists, and National Park Service rangers whose collective effort makes this experience possible.
"This award truly belongs to the entire WNP team and to our national park and community partners who have dedicated their time, talent, and heart to this effort for more than 15 years," shared Bret Muter, WNP Director of Philanthropy and Programming. "The National Park Experience Pavilion reflects our community’s shared commitment to connecting people with parks and public lands in meaningful ways. We’re deeply grateful to our partners at the Tucson Festival of Books for providing the platform and partnership that have allowed this experience to grow and thrive year after year."
The Outstanding Public Engagement Award recognizes exemplary products, displays, programs, or services created in partnership by a nonprofit organization and public lands that advance meaningful and sustainable connections between individuals and America's public lands. The Pavilion is designed to do just this, by celebrating the many stories of our public lands at the third largest book festival in the country, held each year at the University of Arizona.
The National Park Experience Pavilion reflects our community’s shared commitment to connecting people with parks and public lands in meaningful ways. We’re deeply grateful to our partners at the Tucson Festival of Books for providing the platform and partnership that have allowed this experience to grow and thrive year after year.
—Bret Muter, WNP Director of Philanthropy and Programming
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Since 1984, WNP has been headquartered in Tucson, a city and community passionate about diverse cultures and outdoor landscapes. It’s where we host many of our unique programs that connect people to the National Park Service sites that we support across twelve states. And TFOB is one of the most notable events that takes place in the city, bringing in over 300 authors and literacy organizations and over 100,000 attendees each year. Since 2011, WNP has been a major sponsor of this literary event, helping introduce thousands of locals and tourists to the wonder and power of storytelling, the outdoors, and national parks.
Part celebration, part shopping experience, part educational experience, The Pavilion has featured panels and signings with authors, creators, and changemakers within the public lands and outdoor spaces, including such notable authors as Kevin Fedarko, Suzanne Roberts, Rue Mapp, Dudley Edmondson, and many others. This year’s festivities will include discussions and panels by authors such as Kelly Ramsey, River Selby, Beronda Montgomery, and more. Thousands of children have connected with the wonder of public lands at the Junior Ranger Jamboree. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site staff have shared the stories, traditional techniques, and immense cultural significance of Navajo weaving with thousands of visitors during engaging and inspiring talks by Navajo Trader Wallace James Jr. And all of the proceeds from retail operations at The Pavilion go back to supporting our partner parks.
Thank you to the Public Lands Alliance for recognizing WNP’s efforts as we continue to bring the joy of national parks to all. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to The Pavilion this year at the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books on March 14 and 15.
