Josh Peterson
READ MORE ABOUT:
Over Memorial Day Weekend, a few friends and I went up to Sequoia National Park. I've got to say that seeing the sequoia trees was one of the most jaw-dropping experiences of my life. The trees are so unbelievably large that their very existence seems impossible. These trees have been around for millions of years. When you see the sequoias, it's like getting a sense of living in the days of the dinosaurs. Truly amazing.
Visiting national parks is a great way to interact with nature and see some of the most amazing sights on earth. But when you visit these parks, you need to take special care of them. They are owned by the government and, therefore, they are owned by us. That means we have a particular responsibility to make sure these parks remain in pristine condition for years to come.
How to Protect Our National Parks
- Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Climate change certainly poses a threat to our national parks. So reduce your carbon footprint. This is an obvious tip, but it is so important that it needs to be mentioned as often as possible. - Volunteer
National Parks rely on a great deal of volunteer help. In 2005, 5.2 million man-hours were donated to the national parks by volunteers. You can find a volunteer opportunity near you. - Respect the Parks
When you go into a national park, or any park really, obey the rules and regulations of the park. If the sign says don't walk off the trail, then don't walk off the trail. Don't feed the animals, and do not hunt them either. Don't take objects or plants from the park. Those rules aren't there just to kill your fun. They are there to protect the plants and animals that these parks work to conserve. - Write Your Congressperson
The National Parks Conservation Association is asking for people to support the Public Lands Service Corps Act.
From Gov Track:
To amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to expand the authorization of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to provide service-learning opportunities on public lands, help restore the nation's natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources, train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, and promote the value of public service.
Sounds like a worthy cause to me. Show your support for the bill. - Donate
If you don't have the time to volunteer, you might have the money to donate. The National Parks Foundation will make sure that your donations will go towards supporting our parks.
More on Nature:
What's Your Green IQ?
How to Go Green: Outdoor Sports
How to Assemble an Eco-Friendly Tackle Box
Help Protect the American Pika
How to Report Illegal Dumping
-
- {}
