National Park Week

It’s National Park Week and that gives even more reason to celebrate our wilderness. From the vast oceans to the deep forests national parks are very important to us not only on a sustainable level, but an emotional level as well. Family road trips and vacations are often centered around certain parks and can shape the way new generations think. Personally, I can remember being very young and going to Yellowstone National Park, seeing the Grand Canyon, and visiting the wild west quite often. Now that I have been living in Colorado for some time my appreciation has only increased.

This vibrant photo is from my last visit out to Colorado before I later became a resident. This particular shot is from Rocky Mountain National Park and it was taken in the summer. Yes, that's snow and yes I was wearing shorts (not pictured). I saw various parks and monuments while I was out on this visit and thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring, per usual. However, when I was younger seeing national parks was something that really shaped the person I am today.

From a very young age I was taught to not only care for other humans but for plants and animals as well. I am very thankful for these lessons that were instilled in me at such a young age. I spent a lot of my time outside regardless of where my family was living at the time and my imagination soared. Growing up, I demanded more information and more knowledge. I wanted more science, botany, agriculture, and so fourth to be part of my life. Atop of my college courses and experiences out in the field I always refer back to my inquisitive nature and trips I got to take when I was younger. 

Although I have yet to see all of the national parks I intend to do my best to protect them and spread my love for them to the best of my ability. If you have been here for awhile, you know that the majority of my travel writing career has a foundation of environmental conservation and exploration. Feel free to add in your own experiences or stories if you so please and share this article if you would like to pass it on. 

What is the next national park on your list to see?

-CS

Here are some items relevant to today's discussion. Included are; video, print, a map, a coloring book and even a board game in celebration of our great parks! Feel free to click the photos to learn more and/or shop.

Public Protection

It's something that a lot of people don't really think too much about. Something that may seem like a right and not really a luxury or necessity. A topic that doesn't really need discussing because it's only for the tree huggers and hippies. However, the pressing issues of public lands and public protection is very important and in the coming years could very well be vital. 

This is not some hyperbole or some dramatic explanation about climate change and all the emotional attachments that may come with it. It's simply to explain and bring awareness to the fact that our public lands, here in America and worldwide, are extremely important. Sierra Club, an environmental organization founded by preservationist John Muir, sheds light on not only the importance of public lands but shares information about events, calls to action, and other organizations who do the same.

One of the campaigns is "Our Wild America" and it aims to create a network between both land and marine areas to "preserve America's natural, cultural, and recreational heritage,". From Sierra Clubs website they explain Our Wild America as so;

Our Wild America carries on the Sierra Club's long legacy of protecting America's beautiful wildlands. We believe that America's public lands are held in "public trust" for and by all Americans, providing opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and come together to share experiences.

With the Our Wild America campaign, the Sierra Club is doubling down in the fight to preserve our wild heritage in the face of threats from mining, drilling, and climate disruption. 

Whichever side of the political spectrum you may lie on remember this - we're all living on this planet together and it's downright outrageous to destroy our lands and valuable resources. Without the protection of public lands there are immediate reactions to the communities nearby. These reactions can then spread. Water supply can be threatened, ecosystems can be thrown off, and food supply can be tampered with or destroyed. Pictured above is a photo from the Galapagos Islands that I took in 2011. It's one of the most protected areas on the planet and they still have their problems. However, think about the park near your home, the stream or river that goes through your town, and the national parks in your state. If those aren't protected what do you think will happen to you, your family, and your locale?

You might scoff at it having any effect on your life, but let me be clear - if you have any plans of generations after your own you should get more informed. 

-CS

Again, I have included some added information and items for you to check out if you so please. Simply click the images below for more.

Also, if you are looking into more details about The Sierra Club and how you can make a difference please click here and visit their site. Thank you.

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People Are Obsessed with These

Over the past couple of years people have been increasingly obsessed with succulents. I can remember a long time ago when one of my best friends came to me to tell me that she was in love with these little guys. Quite frankly, I didn't get it. They just seemed like small plants to me that didn't need much care...

Then the lightbulb went off. An air plant or a succulent that doesn't need much care. Doesn't. Need. Much. Care. Unless you are super particular or get a certain kind you can basically let these plants chill out. Today, with the craze of minimalism reaching new highs as well, these plants are really getting some light shed on them. I wish I could say that I only know millennials that are raving about them, but the fact of the matter is that the older generation has come to liking them as well (probably long before the millennials anyway). 

There are even stores where they have specific people working there just to make sure you get the arrangement of new greens just right. Whether you want them in a hanging globe or on your nightstand there's surely something for you. Just out of curiosity - how many of you find yourself falling for these little nature pets?

Let's face it, they are kind of cute.

Below, you can check out a book that goes into much better detail than myself about succulents as well as some cute decor items for your little green friends. 

-CS