Protect Our Parks: Our Public Lands Need Your Help
Our national parks are more than scenic landscapes, they’re libraries of ancient wisdom and sanctuaries of ecological intelligence where native plants teach us about survival, adaptation, and interconnectedness. These are lessons we’re only beginning to understand; lessons that are now being threatened by the recent budget cuts and layoffs.
What’s Happening?
In the wake of recent federal budget cuts, the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Forest Service have been forced to lay off thousands of employees. These layoffs disproportionately impact those responsible for maintaining trails, conserving biodiversity, and educating visitors. With fewer hands to care for these spaces, both the ecosystems within them and the visiting public may be left increasingly vulnerable.
In response to public outcry and operational challenges, the administration has partially reversed its stance, allowing for the hiring of up to 5,000 seasonal workers. However, this measure falls short, as seasonal staff can’t fully replace the expertise and continuity provided by permanent employees.
How We Can Respond
National parks serve as living archives of ecological wisdom, embodying the convergence of science, indigenous knowledge, and spiritual connection. While the challenges are significant, collective action make a difference. Here’s what can be done:
Advocate for Conservation Funding: Legislative discussions impacting public lands are ongoing, and your voice matters. Contact your representatives and express the importance of fully funding the NPS and related conservation efforts. Visit govtrack.us to find your local representatives.
Volunteer in Your Local Parks: Many parks offer volunteer programs focused on trail maintenance, native plant restoration, and visitor education. Check the National Park Service Volunteer Portal for ways to get involved.
Support Park-Friendly Legislation: Stay informed about upcoming environmental bills that impact public lands and advocate for stronger protections for native ecosystems. Use GovTrack to follow environmental legislation and receive alerts on new bills related to public lands and conservation. You can also set up alerts through 5 Calls to be notified about pressing environmental issues and receive scripts for contacting legislators.
Donate to Conservation Organizations: Groups like the National Parks Conservation Association and The Nature Conservancy, and the Indigenous Environmental Network, work tirelessly to protect these spaces.
Engage Mindfully with Nature: Visit parks with a sense of reverence. Learn about the native flora and fauna. Mindful engagement fosters a deeper connection and commitment to preservation. Find your local park.
Spread the Word: Share this message with your community. Encourage others to see national parks not just as outdoor spaces, but as living wisdom keepers that need our protection.
Reevaluating Our Relationship with the Land
This situation calls for a reevaluation of how we perceive and interact with nature. National parks are dynamic, living entities that reflect Earth's wisdom. By not only advocating for nature, but also listening to and learning from it, we can foster a relationship of mutual respect and care.
Our national parks are more than destinations, they’re invitations to reconnect with the land and with ourselves.
