President Ford legacy turns into interactive tool Officials hope to spark demand for parks license plates

The Gerald Ford Presidential Foundation and the National Geographic Society have teamed up to showcase the former president and Michigan congressman’s legacy through an interactive, online resource.

The interactive library follows a collaboration between the two organizations for the documentary “Gerald R. Ford: A Test of Character,” which debuted last year on the National Geographic Channel.

“This partnership with the National Geographic Society is an important milestone for teaching the country’s next generation of leaders,” foundation program director Clare Shubert said. “We are excited to be able to share these free resources with educators and anyone wishing to learn more about Ford’s ability to build trust, unite a nation and gain respect from world leaders.”

The learning tool and documentary were funded by the foundation, along with help from friends of the Fords, the Grand Rapids Press reported.

Park advocates are pushing to try to get more people to sign up for a special license plate to fund state parks.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the California Parks and Recreation Department is facing a May 18 deadline to get 7,500 preorders for the special-edition plate. As of Wednesday, only 1,110 had been ordered.

The special edition plate was designed by a Napa County educator and features an image of redwoods.

State parks have been struggling to keep up with infrastructure issues like pothole-lined roads and others. In 2012, Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, introduced legislation to create commemorative license plates funding state parks. The special-edition plate was proposed 18 months ago.

The plates cost $50 for first issue and $40 each year after.