National Park And Recreation Month Is Here: Building Community In Nature

July celebrates the outdoors with National Parks and Recreation Month. This month highlights the amazing offerings throughout the U.S. from natural geysers to underground caves to gorgeous mountains. With the accessibility of national parks and recreational areas in Nevada, it’s a great opportunity to take part in supporting and appreciating the work of national park workers in your community. From visiting the Lake Mead National Recreation Area to becoming a national park volunteer, learn more about how to celebrate this month here.

Supporting National Parks in Nevada

National parks are federally funded and cared for, with some having no entrance fee to make them accessible to everyone. This July, consider supporting and celebrating them anyway you can, whether that’s through taking a tour, volunteering, or donating when possible. Nevada has two major parks, Great Basin National Park and Death Valley National Park, as well as many recreation areas like Lake Mead’s. 

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada is a volunteer-based organization, so we understand the value and importance of volunteer work in national parks. Picking up trash, helping at the visitors desk, and hosting the campgrounds are often volunteer positions at national parks and recreation centers. Whether you can chip in your time there or simply want to visit and share the views with friends and family, visiting a national park near you can help you appreciate the world around you.

Outdoor Recreational Activities To Try

Most recreation areas and parks offer a variety of activities that change based on season, so now is the perfect time to try out the summer fun. At both national and state parks, regular tours are available as well as activities like children’s camps, sunrise hikes, lantern tours, and more. Participating in a sunrise hike can help start your day on the right foot with fresh air and movement. Great Basin National Park in Nevada is just one option that offers an astronomy program, Lehman Cave tours, and a multitude of camping options. 

The Purpose of National Parks & Recreations Areas

The National Park Service works to preserve natural and cultural resources for recreational use by the public for entertainment, education, and more. National parks and recreation areas offer different experiences based on location, meaning there is always more to see, learn, and experience. The parks are meant for public use to celebrate the community and history on and around them. 

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Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month this July by visiting one near you and learning about its history, taking part in one of its unique activities, or becoming a national park volunteer.

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