In celebration of National Park Week (and free entrance to all parks on April 20), Outdoorsy has teamed up with the National Parks Conservation Association to bring you these tips and tricks for treating the parks like what they are – your land.
America’s more than 400 national park sites are hotbeds for adventure and recreation, set aside to connect us with our shared heritage and culture. They’re protected with the intention that any visitor can freely enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes and spectacular wildlife sightings.
Standing behind our 419 national park sites are the advocates who fight for the long-term protection of these places, as well as the need to continue to grow our National Park System to be a true reflection of our diverse country.
At the forefront of these voices is the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). NPCA is nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that works every day to protect our national parks and to inspire the next generation to care for them.
NPCA celebrates their 100th anniversary this year. That’s 100 years of fighting challenges while simultaneously encouraging future generations to explore and experience these places – from super blooms in Joshua Tree, to looking on in awe as the Old Faithful geyser erupts at Yellowstone, to learning about the history of our democracy at Independence Hall.
When we think about our national parks, from Yellowstone to Acadia and Zion, we envision unspoiled landscapes and scenic views, but it’s up to you to keep them that way.
The NPCA’s work has evolved from protecting national parks from dams, wildlife poaching and timber harvesting to preventing proposals to drill at park borders, halting threats from air, water and trash pollution, to protecting wildlife and mitigating the effects of climate change.
In fact, pollution in some of our most iconic national parks are comparable — and at times even worse — than densely populated cities like Los Angeles and Houston. Similarly, a study on climate change found that national parks are warming twice as fast as the rest of the country, putting park visitors, wildlife, and cultural and natural resources in jeopardy.
That’s why your voice is needed to help protect these incredible places now, and for generations to come. Our parks are special places set aside for everyone and NPCA is dedicated to ensuring that all people can share in this vision.
One way that you can support our national parks is by doing your part to reduce waste at our national parks. With nearly 320 million visitors this year alone, millions of pounds of trash are getting left behind – on the trails, in the parking lots. Given the rural, wild locations of so many of our parks, recycling and composting can be a challenge.
Visitors can play a big role in reducing park waste by following these simple tips and tricks when planning your park trip. Know before you go and:
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
Think about what you bring into the parks. Check to see if it can be recycled or composted in the park you are visiting. Look for park signs and containers for collecting recycling, compost and waste to help you sort and keep unnecessary items out of the landfill.
2. Opt for online when and where you can.
Try smartphone apps to help navigate your way around the park, when access is available.
3. Mug for the parks.
Bring a reusable coffee mug or buy one from the gift shop to help reduce waste at parks.
4. Bring your own water bottle.
Bring a refillable water bottle or buy one at the gift shop while taking advantage of convenient water refilling stations located around the parks.
5. Choose reusable bags.
To help eliminate plastic bag waste, bring your own reusable bag to cart around your supplies and souvenir items.
To learn more about the NPCA and the work they do, visit http://www.npca.org/join. Together, we can help forge a brighter and more hopeful future for our national parks. Follow along with #YourParksYourTurn on Twitter @NPCA; on Instagram @NPCAPics; and on Facebook @nationalparks.
