Celebrate National Park Week (April 22 thru 30)

National Park Week is an annual nine-day celebration that provides an opportunity to rejoice in the beauty of America’s national parks, protect the environment and all the public spaces we share and look toward a climate-forward future together. Did you know that there are over 400 national parks? Each is a uniquely special place for all who visit them. Whether you just love the outdoors, are interested in the shared history of these landmarks or embrace the feelings of adventure and discovery–public parks provide space to grow, explore, connect and learn. 

Visit this online guide for suggestions on celebrating National Park Week this year. Here are a few fun ways to get started:

• Join your colleagues and friends for Spring 2023 NOVA’s Outdoor Adventures (Saturday Walks/ Hikes in the DMV). Registration is now Open!
• Explore the National Park Service’s website to determine which parks are right in your backyard or near an upcoming destination. Here are a few close to NOVA:
  • Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Manassas National Battlefield Park (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Prince William Forest Park (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (U.S. National Park Service)
• Check this site to see if you are eligible for discounted passes.
• Here are a few podcasts to tune into during National Park Week:

• Everybody’s National Parks
• National Parks Traveler
• Gaze At The National Parks
• National Park After Dark
• Headwaters

• Documentaries are a great way to learn more about these lands and landmarks and the wildlife that inhabits them while boosting your appreciation for public lands.

• “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (PBS)
• “Our Great National Parks” (Netflix)
• “America’s National Parks” (Disney+)
• “Into The Grand Canyon” (Disney+)
• “The Great Yellowstone Thaw” (PBS)
• “Big Sur: Wild California” (National Geographic)

Want to level up? Become a Park Champion!

• Consider joining the Parks Project. Help them achieve their goal to protect and preserve parklands for generations by educating, advocating, volunteering, and activating park supporters to participate in conservation. Learn more here.

Remember to take advantage of the available  School/Volunteer Leave Benefit to support the Virginia State Park system.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, employeewellness@nvcc.edu