Nature's Protest: Jenny McCarty's Sticker Project Defending National Parks
Boulder artist Jenny McCarty's project, which started as a form of micro-activism, quickly gained national attention due to the controversy surrounding the 2026 National Parks passes. McCarty, known for her vibrant watercolor nature scenes, created stickers to cover President Donald Trump's face on the new park passes, objecting to the politically driven imagery and the larger threats to America's national parks. The stickers are available for purchase on her Sage Leaf Studio website, with proceeds going to the National Park Foundation.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior over the design of the new park passes, arguing that the changes violate the act that relies on an annual photo contest to determine the images. McCarty's stickers, featuring her own paintings of nature scenes, have resonated with many individuals looking for a peaceful way to protest federal policy changes affecting public lands. The project has received overwhelming support, with over 1,000 orders flooding in since its launch.
McCarty's personal connection to national parks, stemming from her childhood experiences and her passion for hiking and camping, inspired her to create the stickers as a form of artistic civil disobedience. The stickers have sparked conversations about the importance of preserving public lands and the role of individuals in protecting these natural spaces. McCarty's initiative has been praised for giving people a voice in advocating for the preservation of national parks and highlighting the beauty of nature.
In response to the positive reception, McCarty has expanded the sticker collection to include versions for Senior and Military passholders, making them accessible to a wider audience. The project has garnered attention from various supporters, including a California sticker manufacturer and former park ranger offering printing assistance. Despite the lack of official acknowledgment from governmental agencies, McCarty remains committed to her cause and sees the project as a way to empower individuals to stand up for the National Parks.
As environmental groups continue to raise concerns about the threats facing public lands, McCarty's project serves as a creative outlet for individuals to express their support for conservation efforts. By combining her love for art and nature, McCarty has sparked a movement that celebrates the beauty of national parks and encourages people to take a stand for the preservation of these cherished landscapes. The overwhelming response to the project reflects a shared commitment to protecting the natural heritage of the National Parks for future generations.