Apple’s New Activity Challenge Celebrates America’s National Parks

Apple is celebrating America’s national parks this July with several new ways for consumers to enjoy and lend their support to the country’s protected lands and the agency that helps to conserve them.

First, the company is debuting a new Activity Challenge. On July 15, Apple Watch owners who complete any walk, run or wheelchair workout of 3.5 miles will earn a unique award and several stickers for use in Messages, all of which are inspired by national parks. Even the distance selected is a nod to Yellowstone National Park, as it exactly matches a hike from Old Faithful to Mallard Lake, according to a press release.

Additionally, from July 1 through July 15, Cupertino is pledging to donate $1 of every purchase made with Apple Pay to the National Park Foundation — though only purchases made at brick-and-mortar Apple Stores, Apple.com, or through the Apple Store app in the U.S. are eligible. The proceeds will help the Foundation’s mission of protecting preserving America’s national parks via conservation efforts and various other projects. Throughout the month, Apple will also highlight a collection of apps meant to help users navigate and enjoy the country’s national parks.

“America’s national parks are an inspiration to us at Apple, and we know they are as important to many of our customers as they are to us,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “Our goal is to leave the world better than we found it, so this July we’re making it easier for anyone to help preserve the beauty of our natural, cultural and historical treasures.”

Apple regularly debuts new Apple Watch Activity Challenges and awards throughout the year, both to celebrate certain causes and to promote healthy habits and lifestyles among its users. In April, the company hosted a similar challenge to celebrate Earth Day. And in January, the company invited Apple Watch users to “Ring in the New Year” with a similar challenge.