Virginia is for lovers. That’s our state slogan and an apt one at that. The land has so much to offer and appreciate, including striking mountains, beaches and lush forests. These natural spaces provide a perfect medium for hiking, picnics, adventuring or just simply soaking in the sunshine with a friend. However, this wanderlust would not be possible without their designation as National or State Parks and the dedicated staff working to preserve their majesty.
There are several amazing National and State Parks in Virginia, including the Great Falls National Park, Shenandoah National Park and The Blue Ridge Parkway. All of these spaces have breathtaking vistas and wildlife to appreciate. With the rise of a digital society, wild spaces like the parks have become an oasis of peace and reflection. However, a large number of them are under threat.
With the new Trump administration, many National Park Service Rangers have lost their jobs. They have taken to social media to share their sadness and grievances. Park rangers are the key force in keeping the parks safe, clean and full of wildlife. This firing is a disservice to their knowledge and passion about the environment.
To help these park rangers, write a letter to Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Don Beyer or any of our state representatives. You can also participate in a protest to restore the jobs of vital federal workers. While most protests took place in March as an immediate response to initial firings, you can contact or explore advocacy groups like the Resistance Rangers to join their movement.
But not all work has to be done in political advocacy. There are several things visitors to the parks can do to help preserve these magical spaces. While in the park, abide by the rules, pick up your trash, don’t bother the wildlife and if camping is allowed, for all of our sakes, keep your campfire contained and attended at all times.
There are also several opportunities to donate to conservation projects and further education surrounding national parks. The National Park Foundation is the federal government’s philanthropy avenue for fundraising, and the donations directly benefit the national parks.
Furthermore, if you, like me, are a broke high school student, there are ways to participate in stream clean ups and maintain the upkeep of the park. Virginia State parks organizes recurring Clean the Bay days in June, recruiting volunteers to pick up trash from the shores and water.
By coming together as a community, we can ensure that Virginia’s parks stay beautiful, litter-free, and lovingly preserved for future generations.
