This year Earth Day has me thinking about nature’s gifts, and the beauty that surrounds us here in Montana—one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
For nearly 50 years, Earth Day has energized
people across the world to address a host of environmental concerns. But for
many of us, Earth Day is celebrated in a more personal way—in our homes, at our
schools, and in our parks. It’s an occasion to recognize the natural wonders
around us, and think about what we can do to improve and appreciate our amazing
planet.
While this holiday comes around just once each
year, it’s important to take the time to experience nature year-round, wherever
we can. It’s good for both our brains and our bodies. Research confirms that
living close to nature and spending time outside has significant health
benefits, reducing the risk of ailments like cardiovascular disease, high blood
pressure, anxiety and depression.
These results should come as no surprise to
most of us, who feel noticeably healthier and happier after spending time
outdoors. For those of us who live here in Southwest Montana, how lucky we are
to have Yellowstone National Park—the ultimate playground and classroom—right
at our doorstep.
Every visitor to the park has their own story
and their own personal connection to Yellowstone. I’ll never forget my first
trip with my father when I was 11 years old. Since then, I’ve developed a love
of the wilderness that I share with my own children. That visit also sparked a
deep, lifelong commitment to conservation that has guided my professional
career.
We all need to take time to experience the
wonders of Yellowstone, and remember why it is a bucket-list destination for so
many people worldwide.On each visit
to the park, I hear languages from around the world and see license plates from
states throughout the nation. Experiencing the park with such a diverse
community renews my appreciation for this wonderland.
Yellowstone is truly unique, an ecosystem
unlike any other in the world. Did you know the park contains half of the
entire planet’s geothermal features? Yellowstone is also home to the largest
concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states; the wildlife-watching
opportunities are extraordinary. What’s more, the park is mostly free of
artificial light, protecting a dark, night-sky wilderness that has become
increasingly rare.
In addition to enriching our lives, Yellowstone also enriches our local communities—literally. A 2018 National Park Service report shows that 4.1 million Yellowstone visitors in 2017 spent $498.8 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 7,354 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $629.6 million.
The Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park’s Firehole River. NPS PHOTO
As the world’s national park, Yellowstone served as the inspiration for the National Park Idea: the desire to protect special places for visitors’ present and future enjoyment. Today, with growing visitation and limited resources, the park relies on private philanthropy to ensure that original idea continues to flourish.
Through the generosity of supporters,
Yellowstone Forever—the park’s official nonprofit partner—helps the park by
funding priority projects such as wildlife conservation, trail restoration,
safety initiatives, and educational exhibits and programs.
Through partners like Yellowstone Forever, we
all have the opportunity toparticipate
in caring for our public lands and instill the value of stewardship in our
children. They will take on the responsibility—and the privilege—of preserving
Yellowstone for future generations.
I hope on this Earth Day you’ll enjoy a bit of
time in the great outdoors, and commit to helping preserve our very special
corner of Mother Earth.
Heather White is president and CEO of Yellowstone Forever, the official
nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. White is a nationally
recognized sustainability leader and expert on environmental law and policy
with deep roots in environmental education and conservation biology. Connect
with her on Yellowstone.org, or find her unplugged on a nearby
hiking trail.