Let's celebrate our natural heritage!

I spent Earth Day kayaking on Snake River

Yesterday, I went on a kayaking trip down Snake River in Grand Teton National Park and reflected on my first two weeks in Jackson. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day. The sun was bright and the water was calm. I am lucky to be so close to so much public land. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park are all in close proximity. I don't hear people talk about our natural capital very often. I ask everyone to consider how much Yellowstone National Park is worth to you? Yellowstone, along with other public land, belongs to us. Of course, there are restrictions on what you can do on public land, but it is there for our benefit. We should celebrate our natural heritage.

A bald eagle along Snake River 

In my role with Bridger-Teton National Forest, I get to work with the public. Along with other community partners, I will work to provide opportunities for everyone at Bridger-Teton. Last week, I attended a meeting for Teton 10 (http://www.teton10.org/), a new program that allows Jackson youth to access outdoor opportunities. Teton 10 is not a organization per se. It's a platform for kids to find recreational opportunities. Teton 10 is one of many ways that people can access public land in the Jackson area. At the meeting, there were many other organizations that work primarily in our public lands or near them.

 A Teton 10 event in action. Mary Cernicek of Bridger-Teton National Forest educates kids on campfire safety.

I understand that not everyone lives near Yellowstone or any national parks. I ask you to take a look in your town and research public land near you. In Worthington, Ohio, Highbanks Metro Park is a five minute drive from my parents' house. I understand that it is difficult to compare Highbanks to Yellowstone but I have always had a great time running, walking, and recreating in Highbanks. A fun fact about Highbanks is that like Grand Teton National Park, it also houses bald eagles. If there is public land near you, I'm sure you can find enjoyment in it. The Teton 10 meeting also introduced me to unique ways to use our public land. For example. one organization is planning an event in which kids will read a book then go on a hike that mimics events from the book.  How cool is that?

I should rephrase my earlier question and ask how much are our public lands worth to you? I hope that I can help people find enjoyment in our public lands while I am with Bridger-Teton. I also hope that I have motivated some people to get out to a park and have some fun. Let's celebrate our natural heritage!