Discussion Topic:Suggest a strategy for getting younger people to attend nation
Discussion Topic:
Suggest a strategy for getting younger people to attend national parks on a regular basis.
Do you think it’s important for younger people to visit our national parks and/or other park systems in order to make the connection between our actions and environmental consequences?
Book Reference: The following is an excerpt from the Environmental Science for a Changing World text:
“Humans are an environmental force that impacts Earth’s ecosystems “
In part, these problems (referring to farming practices, over-harvesting our forests, loss of vital habitat and biodiversity, soil erosion, and water pollution, etc.) stem from a disconnect between our actions and their environmental consequences.”
WEBSITE: The following is an excerpt from the National Park Service website
Science in Your National Parks
“National parks contain many of our nation’s most treasured landscapes, from the majestic mountain ranges of Alaska to the vast sawgrass prairies of the Everglades. To safeguard these treasures, the National Park Service combines the best available science with innovative education and stewardship programs, such as Biodiversity Discovery (http://npshistory.com/publications/interdisciplinary/biodiversity/biodiversity-discovery.pdf), the Climate Change Youth Initiative (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/internshipsandresearch.htm), and Geoscientists-in-Parks.
We encourage you to “Explore Nature.” Learn about the natural resources in parks, from the rocks under our feet to the sky overhead and everything in between. Discover the issues that affect our parks and how we join with neighbors and partners to address them. Meet the people who protect our parks and learn how you can help preserve these treasures for generations to come.”
At national parks, where are all the young people? (https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/national-parks-where-are-all-young-people-flna800904) Does the National Park Service have a youth problem? (https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/19/us/im-national-parks-older-visitors-morgan-spurlock/index.html)
NPS discussion regarding youth engagement in parks (circa 2009):
Youtube Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TyYZYUwheo
NPS internships (these aren’t just for grade-schoolers, there are college internships available too)
Youtube video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p32rrchuu_Y