Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers
Exposing what is beyond the horizon is so important for all to share. Without key explorers like Lewis and Clark, John Muir, etc…many of the places we enjoy here in the United States would be a secret or possibly unprotected. This is also the same case in every other country in the world, led by brave explorers trekking into the unknown. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park System…by setting these lands aside, this will keep them protected with a focus on conservation and in most cases have a staff to help keep the lands safe and unchanged for years to come. Now, it is our job to pass this love for nature to the generation growing up in the age of technological advances that come up quicker than your toast out of the toaster!
A travel obsessed mom and a nature obsessed son exploring at home in Southern California as well as throughout the world looking for adventure, nature and a little luxury too!
Join us as we seek out amazing National Parks, art, culture and the best queso around. We will share our love of travel with inspirational stories and detailed information so you can get out and start making your own travel memories.
More information on the family above at their website
National Park System
‘On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Organic Act” creating the National Park Service, a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for maintaining national parks and monuments that were then managed by the department. The National Park System has since expanded to 419 units (often referred to as parks), more than 150 related areas, and numerous programs that assist in conserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.’
With extremely connected social and technological ecosystems, our kids today are experiencing so much power and connectivity, much more than previous generations. This allows kids to live their entire lives inside in whatever reality they choose. Knowing the Information Age is the first period our next generation are exposed to, we need to take action and show this new generation what we love and the wild lands that surround them.
Theodore Rosevelt: The Conservationist
‘Theodore Roosevelt, often called “the conservation president,” impacted the National Park System well beyond his term in office. He doubled the number of sites within the National Park system. As President from 1901 to 1909, he signed legislation establishing five new national parks: Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota (later re-designated a game preserve); Mesa Verde, Colorado; and Platt, Oklahoma (now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area). However another Roosevelt enactment had a broader effect: the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906. The Antiquities Act enabled President Roosevelt and succeeding Presidents to proclaim historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest in federal ownership as national monuments.
Roosevelt did not hesitate to take advantage of this new executive authority. By the end of 1906 he had proclaimed four national monuments: On September 24 he proclaimed Devils Tower (Wyoming). On December 8, he proclaimed El Morro (New Mexico), Montezuma Castle (Arizona), and Petrified Forest (Arizona). Additionally, he interpreted the authority expansively, protecting a large portion of the Grand Canyon (Arizona) as a national monument in 1908. By the end of his term he had reserved six predominantly cultural areas and twelve predominantly natural areas in this manner. Half of the total land area was initially administered by the Agriculture Department and was later transferred to Interior Department jurisdiction, since the National Park Service would not be created until 1916.’
The best part about the outdoors is the it is available to all, no matter what corner of the Earth you may reside. For the most part, except for certain parks and sites, they are also free of charge. Limitations on where and when you explore are nearly unlimited, so we experience freedom…which brings up my next point, education.
With a nearly unlimited access to the wild lands, and potential lack of experience, a problem could occur with conservation practices. Leave no Trace and similar initiatives need to be engrained in the minds of all who choose to explore…which I hope is everyone! Contact your local park rangers, avid adventurers or local Boy Scout troops, they can help you on your quest for the outdoors lifestyle.
Educational resources for explorers in the United States
There are countless resources online to assist you in the learning process around the outdoors and exploration in a safe and responsible manner. Groups exist in nearly every city across the country and most National Parks that further education on the wild lands, and help spread the word and organize hikes and other great outdoor activities. Get out there and explore!
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