Grand Prismatic Spring When I was a kid, my family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park, a memory that has stuck with me ever since. I can still picture the bison and bears slowly making their way through the roads, unfazed by the cars and crowds. My dad, a lifelong outdoorsman, was always encouraging me to get outside—whether that meant camping trips or simply playing in the backyard. Those early experiences planted the seed for a deep and lasting connection with nature, one that would shape the course of my life in ways I never could have predicted.

In 2016, I took a leap of faith. I left behind a career in insurance, packed up my belongings, and set out on a journey to explore America’s National Parks as a Tour Guide. That first summer was nothing short of life-changing. I spent months crisscrossing the country, introducing visitors from around the world to the breathtaking landscapes that make our parks so special. With just a day or two at each location, one summer just wasn’t enough. I wanted more time in each place, more time to soak in the beauty and understand the rhythm of the land. So, I made a bold decision: I sold my house and bought a camper.

Logan Pass Glacier National Park My first season in the camper was spent in Glacier National Park, where I had the rare privilege of watching the seasons transform the park. It was mesmerizing—the way the valleys burst into color in the fall, the way the mountains stood strong against the winter’s grip, and the way the rivers came alive again in the spring. That experience sparked a love affair with our National Parks that would take me to Acadia, Grand Teton, Kenai Fjords, Denali, and so many more.

The Backbone of America’s Natural Heritage

The United States is a country without ancient castles or centuries-old cathedrals. Instead, we have something uniquely American: our National Parks. With 63 officially designated parks and hundreds of other protected lands, they showcase the raw beauty and diversity of our massive country. They are our heritage, our pride, and some of the most treasured landscapes in the world.

But right now, they are at risk.

Crater Lake National Park Budget Cuts Are Threatening Our Parks

National Parks across the U.S. have been facing significant budget cuts, forcing reductions in staffing and critical services. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious threat to the health of the parks and the safety of visitors.

With fewer rangers and maintenance staff, we’re going to see:

🔹 Less frequent trash removal, leading to overflowing bins, litter-strewn trails, and greater risks to wildlife.
🔹 Reduced bathroom cleaning, which will make already limited facilities unsanitary and unpleasant.
🔹 Neglected trail maintenance, meaning more eroded paths, fallen trees, and inaccessible areas.
🔹 Slower emergency response times, putting hikers, campers, and visitors in danger when accidents occur.
🔹 Weakened wildfire defenses, increasing the likelihood of devastating blazes in already fire-prone areas.

These cuts mean more than just an inconvenience for visitors. They mean a decline in the very essence of what makes our National Parks special. They mean more stress on already overworked rangers, more damage to fragile ecosystems, and more safety risks for everyone.

Protecting Our Parks for Future Generations

We can’t afford to let our National Parks fall into neglect. They are more than just vacation spots—they are living testaments to America’s natural beauty, history, and spirit. They are places of refuge, inspiration, and adventure. They are, in many ways, what make this country great.

So what can we do?

✔️ Support organizations that fight for park funding, like the National Parks Conservation Association.
✔️ Contact your representatives and urge them to prioritize funding for public lands.
✔️ Respect and care for the parks when you visit—pack out your trash, stay on designated trails, and leave no trace.
✔️ Educate others on why our National Parks matter and why they need protecting.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend years living and working in these wild places. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-funded, well-staffed park can create unforgettable experiences for visitors. But I’ve also seen the struggles—rangers stretched too thin, trails falling into disrepair, and facilities left unkempt due to lack of resources.

Our National Parks are more than just land. They are our legacy. Let’s do everything we can to protect them.