This project will develop tools that will make national park service natural resource data more accessible and easier to use

The National Park Service (NPS) National Office awarded $348,755 to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) on September 10, 2025, with completion targeted for December 31, 2027. The project will develop tools and implement new techniques to enhance accessibility and usability of NPS natural resource data through improved data analysis and visualization capabilities. These tools are designed to serve multiple stakeholder groups, including park managers, researchers, educators, students, and the general public, enabling more informed decision-making and resource management across the National Park System.

This cooperative agreement reflects the program's core mission to establish science-based management partnerships through multi-disciplinary research and technical assistance initiatives. By advancing the accessibility and analytical capability of NPS data, the project directly supports the agency's resource stewardship objectives and public engagement goals. The Schoodic Institute, a nonprofit research organization with extensive experience partnering with the NPS on conservation and education initiatives in Maine, serves as the implementing partner for this technology and data infrastructure development effort.

The tools will use new techniques to help with data analysis and visualization. The project will improve the ability of park managers, researchers, educators, students and the public to use national park service data to learn about resources and to inform decisions.