Tom Whitaker; Congressman Jack Bergman MI-01; Tom Irvine, Executive Director of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation; and Charlotte Ford, National Park Foundation
Hill Day 2025
On April 30th, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, represented by Board Chairman, Tom Whitaker, participated in Hill Day, led by the National Park Foundation. Highlights of the day included Tom’s meetings with Congressman Jack Bergman from our home district, Michigan-01; as well as, staff from the office of Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and the office of Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.
Hill Day is an annual opportunity for park advocates to meet with legislators and discuss the policies that impact our national parks, public lands, and the people who care for them. By bringing the voices of communities, visitors, and park supporters to Capitol Hill, we ensure that our elected officials understand the importance of protecting and investing in these cherished places. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is proud to have been a part of this important effort. Together, we can continue to ensure that our national parks receive the care, protection, and investment they deserve–for everyone, forever.
Thank you, Tom, for your leadership and advocacy.
Following are Tom’s reflections from his experience on Capitol Hill.
I wasn’t sure what to expect… This was the first year Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear participated in Hill Day—a powerful day of advocacy for our National Parks. Over 80 park partner organizations came together, resulting in 650+ meetings with Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill.
After a quick breakfast and inspiring send off from the National Park Foundation, I headed out with two clear “asks”:
- Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, a key part of the Great American Outdoors Act supporting vital projects like the one currently in progress on North and South Manitou Islands.
- Fully Fund the National Park Foundation in the 2026 federal budget.
I needn’t have worried. Congressman Jack Bergman and the staff of Congresswomen Haley Stevens and Debbie Dingell were incredibly kind, receptive, and more than willing to listen—even as I proudly bragged about Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear!
To my surprise, the words came easily all day. It was an energizing, hopeful experience—made possible by the NPF’s outstanding coordination and the warm welcome we received on the Hill.
I left feeling optimistic about the future of our National Parks—but this is just the beginning. We need to stay engaged and keep the conversation going.
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