Lessons from the National Parks
July 28, 2021
Anna Porter contributed to this post.
If you’re in the United States this summer and looking to spend time outside, consider visiting a national park. The activities are endless and you just might learn something.
The United States National Parks Service (NPS) has been preserving natural history, landmarks, and culture since 1916. When President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Organic Act” on August 25, 1916, the service officially became a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior. At the time, there were only 35 recognized national parks and monuments. Today, there are over 400 national parks across the United States, all protected by the NPS and its 20,000+ employees.
Nearly 318 million people visit national parks each year, and for good reason. The NPS preserves natural beauty ranging from lush forests to vast deserts, encourages education on U.S. history and local culture, provides opportunities for physical exercise, and practices sustainability to ensure these parks and natural resources will be around for generations.
Here are a few of the many important lessons to be taken away from a visit to a national park:
“Pack it In, Pack it Out.” This rule is a part of the NPS’s “Leave No Trace” program. This program serves to keep the parks as natural and untouched as possible. The “Pack it In, Pack it Out” rule reminds visitors that whatever they bring into the park, they must bring out of the park as well. Litter and food scraps should not be left behind. Leaving no trace is important in any natural setting, whether it is a national park or an unrecognized one.
Remember and Appreciate Indigenous Communities. Recognizing the Ingenious communities that originated on land across the United States is incredibly important to preserving accurate history and integrity. The NPS has worked hard to create strong relationships with American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, even creating programs to help tribes preserve their heritage. Individual parks acknowledge the local tribes of the area and often provide educational tools and lessons about their cultures.
Challenge Yourself Physically. Parks provide opportunities for people of all skill levels to exercise and push themselves physically. Activities can include hiking, walking, boating, biking, and swimming. Before any physical challenge, however, it is important to come prepared and know your personal limits. Thankfully, the National Parks Service has many guides and planning resources online.
Look Inward. Surrounding yourself with nature can be a calming, introspective time. It can help you cope with hard feelings, generate new ideas, and help with issues like writer’s block. There are many ways to recreate safely on your own, including journaling, drawing, watching wildlife, meditating, and listening with intention. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself.
Of course, there are so many other benefits to visiting national parks as well, from learning about flora and fauna to fine-tuning your camping skills. This summer, check out which parks are available to you, remember to be prepared, and get outside!
