Celebrating Parks and Recreation Month with Resources for the Future

On wrapping up Parks and Recreation Month in July, RFF staff and scholars reflect on some of their favorite natural spots.

“Most weekends for the past few years, my brave friends and I would squeeze into a car at 5 a.m., drive up while the sun was rising, and make it to an outlook in time for lunch. From the comradery brought on by weekend adventures, to the breathtaking granite peaks, there is nothing quite like a hike in the Whites.”

—Sophie Pesek

“Many of my formative memories involve hiking through the redwoods in northern California. This memory I am particularly fond of was captured during a pit stop on a road trip to Oregon. We went up the Pacific Coast Highway to see the 2017 solar eclipse, and then drove back down to move into my college apartment in Long Beach.”

—Nick Roy

“When I first saw it, Bryce Canyon took my breath away. I love the unique and colorful landscapes and fabulous views. Hike Utah, indeed!”

—Karen Palmer

Parris Glendening Nature Preserve at Jug Bay Sanctuary in Lothian, Maryland, is “a great isolated spot for birding close to Annapolis. Saw a least bittern and a flock of glossy ibis on this particular trip. Bald eagles, ospreys, and bluebirds are easy to find there.”

—Chris Clotworthy

“In college, I spent two summers in and around Glacier National Park, learning about the unique ecology of the region. Hiking windy ridgelines, learning the names of wildflowers, and camping by alpine lakes are experiences I will never forget. But above all, Glacier reminds me of the importance of protecting our wild spaces, now and in the future.”

—Annie McDarris

“We like Rock Creek Park because it’s easy to get to from the city, and there are always lots of dog friends to play with!”

—Molly Robertson (and Higby)

“When I was doing work on national monuments, I visited several. Grand Staircase-Escalante is, of course, one of the most famous and controversial, and truly spectacular.”

—Margaret Walls

“I haven’t had the opportunity yet to go to that many national parks, but so far, Acadia in Maine is one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to my road trip out West this fall, where I’ll visit Arches, Bryce, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and other public lands. And maybe I’ll even see about staking a claim under the General Mining Act of 1872. (Mostly kidding about the last part.)”

—Brian Prest (and Taco)

“My dog has spent most of her life as a quarantine pup. With limited travel and activities, the parks near our house were an especially bright spot for both of us throughout the pandemic.”

—Abby Blasingame (and Alaska)

“Rock Creek Park has been such an important outlet for us all through the pandemic, in every season.”

—Tommy Wrenn (and Olive)

“In 2011, we took a two-week trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with our first kid, who was one. We loved the Tetons, but Yellowstone was such a treat. Between the colorful lakes and the cool thermal features, it was a totally magical place. I cannot wait to go back with the kids now, when there are three of them, and they are old enough to really get into it.”

—Billy Pizer

“I love that the DC area has so many great local parks. One of my personal favorites to visit with my dog is the National Mall. We frequently go for runs there to see the various monuments and memorials—and the cherry blossoms, of course!”

—Sarah Tung (and Taco)

“My camping trip to Yosemite in 2017 is one of my favorite memories. The highlight of the trip was hiking the Mist Trail—an aptly named hike past two waterfalls, where you’re guaranteed to get drenched (in sweat and mist alike). It’s a fantastic trek, although it’s not quite climbing Half Dome—a bucket list entry I have yet to check off!”

—Lauren Dunlap

“Shenandoah National Park, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a real treasure. There are lots of scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive, plenty of hiking (including parts of the Appalachian Trail that run through it), and it’s less than 1.5 hours from DC. This was in April on the first day of National Park Week, so it was free entry!”

—Kate Leary

“I’m from the East Coast, so Joshua Tree is one of the most unique landscapes I’ve ever seen. The stillness of the desert was beautiful and quite the contrast to the lush Blue Ridge Mountains. This was one of my favorite hikes to date, and I look forward to returning one day!”

—Hillary Alvaré