Planting Sparks of Joy During a Pandemic
We never imagined 2020 would play out the way it has, but aren’t we lucky to still be alive? Our dream is still very much alive, too. In the meantime, please call your parents or grandparents and plant seeds of hope. Imagine the day in the not-too-distant future when you can open the passenger seat, invite your family to join you, and head out to see the redwoods and prairies.
Hope in the Time of Corona
I urge you to find hope in small, daily ways. Put something on your calendar this week that exists just for you. Get out the map and plan a national park hike or visit one of the hundreds of national park historic sites in the next month if possible. Hope weaves into our stress resiliency by lifting our spirits in hectic times. Do not wait for it to show up. Build it up in meaningful ways and support others’ hopes whenever possible.
Monthly Feature: Creating Awareness for Soul Trak Outdoors
As outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of America’s parks, we have been able to experience the benefits of connecting with nature and our diverse landscapes. From city parks where we can get a taste of green amid cemented city blocks, to recharging strolls and hikes in the millions of acres of our state parks, to treks and climbs in the breathtaking landscapes in our national parks, the chance to be in nature is an experience we hold invaluable. Undoubtedly, our lands should be enjoyed by all of us, but when we look into… Read More
How Black Outdoor Leaders are Diversifying the Outdoors Through Social Media
An unexpected side effect of a global quarantine and this national reckoning on race has been the amplification of Black voices in spaces where we previously were not heard. With social media-focused campaigns like “Black Birders Week” and “Black Hikers Week” taking off, Black voices in the outdoor recreation space have been seen and heard like never before.
The Virtual Junior Ranger Program Brings the Parks to Your Home
As teachers and families have had to alter and adjust their manners of attending school, national parks have had to adjust their means of educating families. In a time of crisis, as we all adapt, it has been apparent that the National Park Service is working overtime to provide opportunities that sustain some normalcy in our “new normal.”
7 Tips for Solo Hiking
When you’re hiking alone, playing it safe is usually the right strategy. Make sure someone knows where you are at all times and that you’re prepared in case something goes wrong. That way, you can relax on your hike and enjoy all the wonders of the parks instead of worrying about all the things you aren’t prepared for!
