How I’m Creating the Future of National Parks

Join Me if You Want to Have Fun and Make the Difference!

It was overcast at sunrise today I hope you love this evocative picture I just took off our present situation.

Happiest day, beloved Joy Train Rider! I love you! Bless you! I affirm we are doing well.

In the middle of the manufactured chaos, I exult in the delight of my free mind. Once I saw my first National Park in 1995. I realized all was not as it seemed. The fact that such a vast wide-open world could be kept a secret from some people made me realize that what we see is not all there is, and much of it is manipulated in plain view by forces that appear benign.

I mean, the National Park Service was being managed by perfectly lovely people who would never think to keep anyone out. Yet these sacred places remained shockingly monochromatic in their workforce and visitation while our country’s demographics became much more racially diverse. I never dreamed I’d say this, but now I almost long for the time when this was true: The National Parks Have a Diversity Problem. This Couple Has Been Working for 20 Years to Fix It.

Our challenges are exponentially greater now, which inspires me to look for superlative ways to meet the moment.

A broad spectrum of artists, birders, environmentalists and historians come together to present programs conveying the fun and fascination of Everglades National Park.

Discovering a land of wildness and wonder in my backyard - grizzlies and wolves and moose and bison; glaciers and rainforests and canyons and seashores PROTECTED FOR MY ENJOYMENT - being enjoyed mostly by white Americans and tourists, made me see the conditions of my urban neighborhoods in a new light.

The difference was grotesque. It didn’t seem as if it could be accidental. I soon confirmed that it wasn’t when even the people who welcomed us set limits on what they thought could be accomplished, completely contrary to what the people with direct experience were stating.

I exult because having seen behind the curtain and touching the land - the one everlasting truth, I can look at the effluent being slung at us by some of the most obviously troubled people - A symbol of state thuggery - and see it for the smokescreen it is. It all founders upon the unshakeable, indomitable Presence of the land.

Our state parks offer us rejuvenating benefits close to home and it’s fun hiking with younger people at Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia.