So much has happened this past week that I wasn't sure what to write about. I also wasn't sure what to be most angry about: refugee bans, national parks being silenced, executive orders being issued nearly daily, etc. I think the most long-lasting impact, however, is national parks potentially being sold to private owners as well as being ordered to stay silent on climate change.
The Badlands National Park Twitter account tweeted a fact about climate change, and then hours later, deleted it at the order of the White House. I was very disturbed, not just because of the facts being silenced, but the idea that the new administration feels threatened by mere tweets, and further censorship will only destabilize our nation further.
This sparked a national movement of Parks twitter accounts going "rogue", and continuing to tweet important climate information as well as pictures of endangered animals. If you want to follow these accounts, they usually have "alt" in the first part of their handle.
The real reason why I care deeply about our national park system, however, is because of my faith. I believe that God created every single blade of grass, snowy peak, pine needle branch, and every single molecule of dirt. He has entrusted us to care well for his creation, and to preserve its beauty is an act of gratitude toward Him.
My twelve-year-old girl scout self helped me truly appreciate the beauty of nature and to connect with it. Late nights camping in untouched woods, hiking among multicolored rocks, and learning to recycle and steward resources were just a few of the memories I treasure from my childhood as a Girl Scout. My Gold Award project included the implementation of a recycling program in my old elementary school. Environmental stewardship has always been near the top of my priorities.
Spending three summers as a camp counselor has also deepened my appreciation of creation. Whenever I see children's faces lighting up as they point out the stars, it gladdens my heart. Exploring nature among pristine lakes and tall trees is one of my favorite parts of being a camp counselor. It is worth the sweat and bug bites to hold those pictures in my mind. I desperately want my children to hike the mountains and have their breath taken away by the views, just as I did when I was a child.
Climate change threatens many of those views and the atmosphere. To lack action is to disrespect our Lord and His creation. (If you're looking for a post on the theology of climate change, I'm certainly not the right person to ask, but I firmly believe God is not the culprit of climate change; sin is the culprit).
I hope to go to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon soon, while these lands are still preserved and public (I also hope they will forever be public lands). I urge you all to visit your national parks this year, take pictures, and marvel at the beauty of God's creation.
Whatever your political views are, please consider this one thing: national parks are an incredible part of our nations' history and legacy.
Preserve them.
