Celebrating Earth Day and National Parks 🌍
Embracing our planet with awareness, actions, and adventures.
Welcome back, fellow adventurers,
This week, we’re veering off the beaten path from our usual tales of travel and tantalizing tastes for a special occasion - Earth Day
Born out of the environmental movement in 1970, Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, and activist Denis Hayes. They were inspired by the energy of student anti-war protests and an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution to create a national teach-in, which soon evolved into Earth Day. This day of action, falling on April 22, sparked a wave of environmental awareness, inspiring 20 million Americans to take to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to protest against the impacts of industrial development.
In 1970, we saw something extraordinary. Earth Day brought together folks from all walks of life - young, old, Democrats, Republicans, you name it. They were united in their fight against the environmental crisis, and their collective voice was so powerful that it led to the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of revolutionary environmental protection laws.
Let’s Stand Together for Our Planet 🌍
Now, let me ask you this: wouldn’t it be something if we could harness that same spirit of common cause today? Imagine the power of people from all corners of society coming together once again, not just to protect, but to sustain our planet Earth.
We need to remember the lessons of Earth Day 1970. We need to understand that when we stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. So let’s do it. Let’s stand together for our planet, for our children, and for our future.
Friends, this Earth Day, let’s take action. Let’s make a difference. Find local Earth Day events in your area. Organize a teach-in to educate your neighbors about environmental action. Start a pollinator garden with native species. Form a community activity and work together to create a healthier environment for all. And, vote for Earth and remind your loved ones to register to vote. Our planet needs every voice.
For those living in the Portland Oregon area, check out this event hosted by the Portland Fruit Tree Project for a street festival, spring plant sale, and climate justice and community resilience fundraiser.
Let’s get to work, folks! We’ve got a planet to save. You can find an Earth Day event by searching your desired location and signing up to take action or create your event on the Earth Day map.
National Park Week 🌲 🏔️🌊
Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to visit many National Parks. Now, as National Park Week is from April 20-28, we have a unique opportunity. On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived at national parks that usually charge admission.
This is more than just a chance to save some money, my friends. It’s an invitation to visit one of these natural wonders, to learn from them, and to appreciate their value.
So, let’s take action. Let’s use this opportunity to not only explore but also to give back. Pick up some litter, volunteer at a park, or simply spread the word about the importance of these natural treasures.
One of my favorites is Olympic National Park spanning nearly a million acres! It is so huge it features glacier-capped mountains, old-growth rainforests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline to explore. I had an incredible trip with my daughter and cannot wait to visit again! It’s like experiencing three parks in one!
In 2023, the ten most visited national parks were:
Great Smoky Mountains (13.2 million visits)
Grand Canyon (4.7 million visits)
Zion National Park (4.6 million visits)
Yellowstone (4.5 million visits)
Rocky Mountain National Park (4.1 million visits)
Yosemite National Park (3.9 million visits)
Acadia National Park (3.9 million visits)
Grand Teton National Park (3.4 million visits)
Joshua Tree (3.2 million visits)
Olympic National Park (2.9 million visits)
Find a National Park to visit here.
Your Call to Action: Make Every Day Earth Day 📣
Why limit celebrating Earth Day to just one day of the year? Some people organize events all month long. Be sure to Leave No Trace! Why not make every day a time for action for our planet?
Please join me travelers and share in the comments what you will do and where you will go to celebrate Earth Day this year.