National Park Week is April 16-24.  Entrance to any National Park is free the entire week, where the emphasis is on the obvious fact that getting outside is good for your health.  There is a growing connection between public lands and public health, and what better way to foster this than with free admission?  Admission will also be waived on the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (September 21), and Veterans Day Weekend (November 11-13).

Our National Parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, and with increased gas prices dictating more close-to-home vacations, it is worth considering a visit to a nearby National Park.  You can join a guided ranger hike, which almost anyone can participate in, or try biking, climbing, canoeing, or various other activities.

If you’re interested in giving something back, many parks will be looking for volunteers to help with various projects on April 16.  With impending budget cuts, our parks will rely more heavily on volunteers to help maintain the parks.  On Saturday the 23^rd kids are the focus of the 5^th annual Junior Ranger Day.  You can find more information on these programs here:  https://www.nps.gov/npweek/

For millions of Americans who live near National Parks, they indicate that they are a key factor in their healthy lifestyle.   Our parks are great places to go on vacation, have fun, and learn, but they are also a good way to nurture a healthy lifestyle for your family.