RECREATE for Public Lands Day: Everyone has a different way of being outdoors
Nicole, writer, at different national and state parks.
Britney Spears, squirrel encounters and everything in between
As a 7-year-old, I had the chance to visit the Grand Canyon. But my excitement was initially fueled not by wanting to see an incredibly gorgeous landscape, but by Britney Spears.
While I had hoped to relive her iconic “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman” music video (which, I later discovered, was filmed elsewhere), I ended up with something even better—a fantastic photoshoot (courtesy of my dad), awe-inspiring views carved into my memory, and a very funny encounter with a squirrel determined to steal my ice cream (lesson learned: don't feed the wildlife, kids!).
That’s just one of many memories that continue to fuel my love for the outdoors. Most often, these memories involve my family and close friends, as I've come to realize that my most profound connections with the outdoors are usually in the company of my loved ones.
Nicole, writer, staring a squirrel after ice-cream debacle, at the Grand Canyon.
On a day of recreation for Public Lands Day, we want you to find your own connection to these beautiful places.
There are a few things you can do to RECREATE during the week leading up to Public Lands Day:
- Read about how different communities connect with the outdoors and why we have to work to make the outdoors more diverse, accessible and inclusive.
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If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, check out the map we created (with Pride Outside) showing where you can find outdoor organizations across the country that provide a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ adventurers.
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There are countless ways for people to recreate: hiking, camping, birding, wildlife-watching, scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing, picnicking, paddling, scenic drives, dancing, storytelling by the campfire, running, biking—you name it! Make sure you are doing so responsibly.
In honor of Public Lands Day 2023, The Wilderness Society invites you to discover the many ways you can connect and experience public lands. And as we celebrate our love for the outdoors and public lands, we must remember that these places should be accessible and inviting to everyone. We need to continuously work to ensure that people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities feel welcomed and safe on public lands. And we do that by breaking down barriers, both physical and cultural, that may prevent people from experiencing these wonderful places.
