National Parks

#BlackLivesMatter, Black In National Parks Week, Diversity, Film preview, National Monuments, National Parks, Public Land, ReThinkOutside / 25.08.2020

During Black In National Parks Week The Joy Trip Project is pleased to host a FREE online screening of the documentary film “No Time To Waste ~ The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin”. Featuring the true story of the oldest living National Park Ranger, this compelling narrative recounts the importance of preserving our national heritage through a comprehensive interpretation of history that includes the lives of every American citizen. As a Black woman whose lived experience includes the Great Depression, Second World War, Civil Rights Movement and...

Diversity, Environmental Journalism, National Geographic, National Parks, Outdoor Recreation, ReThinkOutside / 19.08.2020

WHEN I BEGAN exploring the outdoors, I had no idea that Black people had played a vital role in the creation of Yosemite, one of my favorite national parks. I had never heard the story of the park’s connection with Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers, and when I finally did, at age 42, it came to me as a complete surprise. In the 10 years since, I’ve learned the stories of Stephen Bishop and Mammoth Caves, Lancelot Jones and Biscayne Bay, and many other people of color who have influenced national...

Diversity, National Parks, ReThinkOutside / 17.08.2020

Since the earliest days of our national parks Black Americans have played an active part in the preservation of our public land. From Stephen Bishop, a guide at Mammoth Caves before the Civil War, to the Buffalo Soldiers who patrolled Yosemite at the turn of the last century, to Lancelot Jones who advocated for the creation of Biscayne National Park in Florida, people of African descent were part of the notion that set aside special places for the enjoyment of all people. As the naturalist Wallace Stegner once...

#BlackLivesMatter, Adventure Activism, Diversity, National Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoors For All, Photography, Public Land, ReThinkOutside, Social Media / 10.08.2020

On August 25, 2020 the National Park Service will celebrate its 104th anniversary. To mark the occasion Nicole Jackson, co-organizer of #BlackBirdersWeek and Next Generation Advisory Council member of the National Parks Conservation Association, has inspired a commemoration to acknowledge the often-overlooked narratives of those who have contributed to more than a century of conscientious public land management. The Joy Trip Project is pleased to announce Black In National Parks Week! [caption id="attachment_2067219" align="alignright" width="250"] Nicole Jackson[/caption] Starting on August 24th post images to social media with #BlackInNationalParks or #BlackInNationalParksWeek...

An American Ascent, Commentary, Diversity, Essays, Grand Canyon, Magazines, National Geographic, National Parks, Public Land, The Adventure Gap, Yosemite / 14.07.2020

  HALFWAY INTO OUR two-week paddling trip through the Grand Canyon, my longtime friend Jim Moss had a sudden realization. After a thrilling day exploring limpid blue pools and towering waterfalls beneath the desert rim, we sat in beach chairs drinking ice-cold beer along the banks of the Colorado River.“You know? I’ve made more than 40 commercial guiding trips through this place,” he said. “In 25 years, I think you’re the first African American I’ve ever seen down here.”There’s a statistical reason for this: Although Black Americans represent 13.4...

Kids in Nature, National Parks, Public Land / 07.05.2020

If you’re planning on visiting one of the National Parks around the country this summer, consider taking the Junior Ranger Pledge. When you do, or if you have already, show us your badge! Post a picture with the hashtag #NPSJuniorRanger2020 to Instagram or Facebook. Let’s collect at least one from every National Park in the United States.After so many weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown, many of us are eager to get outside. Over the last few days several communities across the country have started to ease their...