Items

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  2021-05-05

  2021 National Park Road Trip

  In May 2021, my friends and I took a 17 day road trip out west visiting 7 national parks, and several national forests and state parks. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. We had been planning the trip in February of 2020 but then COVID happened and we delayed it to the next year. To document our trip, I submitted pictures from the trip that I made in 2021. Some of the highlights are Death Valley National Park, Yosemite, and Zion. This was my first time traveling west of the Mississippi so I loved experiencing the culture, food, and meeting the people who lived in many different regions of the US. When I went, there were surprisingly very few restrictions other than having to wear masks at the occasional business. I do remember in Zion the staff told us to stand "1 condors wingspan apart" even though its wingspan was about 10 feet. I took hundreds of photos and I unfortunately could not upload all of them so I picked these ones. This trip was very important to me because it represents the places I've been, and the memories I have made with my best friends as we experienced this amazing trip together. Finally, I should mention that I went on this trip and missed my in person college graduation ceremony, and I don't regret it for a moment.
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  2022-07-06

  U.S. Yellowstone is latest national park to add indoor mask mandate due to rising COVID cases

  This is a news story from CBS News from Sophie Reardon. Due to rising cases, Yellowstone National Park will now require visitors two years and older to wear masks indoors. Other national parks have mask mandates too, such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Grand Tetons. This requirement is for everyone using an indoor facility, regardless of vaccination status. For future visitors at this time to these parks, it is recommended one look up COVID requirements for the place they wish to go.
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  2021-06-15

  Covid Travels

  How have you and your family handled vacations and outings since the pandemic began? With popular vacation destinations becoming a hotbed of Covid exposure and infections, travel has become challenging. Many have chosen to forego or pause vacations in the age of Covid. National parks are a good alternative to crowded beach locations, as these parks give us opportunity for socially-distanced camping and hiking without the dangers that indoor entertainment venues pose.
• 0020-11-25

  Isolation, in Nature, Has its Tremendous Benefits

  It is hard to imagine that just a couple of months before this photo was taken, several life-altering events occurred in my life, and indeed, in the lives of millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as early as December 2019, initial reports circulated about a "mysterious Coronavirus-related Pneumonia" apparently originating from the province in Wuhan, China. By January 31, 2020, the WHO issued a global health emergency urging the international community to take all necessary precautions to slow the virus's spread and minimize human-to-human contact. Mandatory mask-wearing, obsessive handwashing, and social distancing became customary parts of daily life for virtually everyone. Yet, despite strict health guidelines from the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) intended to keep communities safe, I argue that social distancing has also exacerbated instances of loneliness and depression. Families who count on holiday visits from extended family now contemplate rescheduling, modifying, or altogether canceling holiday gatherings. I personally experienced some setbacks and hardships throughout the year, so the idea of not seeing my family did not sit well with me. Fortunately, my better judgment prevailed, and I abided by CDC travel recommendations. During the 2020 holiday season, I found my outlet and my connection to the land. Yes, technically, traveling is somewhat tricky at the moment. However, home mandates -in my opinion- should not discourage you from sitting outside, breathing good air, and feeling the warmth of the sun. For me, social isolation became about packing a day bag and trekking into the woods-completely alone. And so, I decided to explore Camp Verde on Thanksgiving. This is what I learned: It shouldn't take a holiday as the reason for you to call your loved ones more often or appreciate the people you interact with daily. Humans are social creatures. We thrive on human interaction. So when we are deprived, I firmly believe we should seek nature as our companion. Please do yourself a favor and take advantage of this time to spend more time outside. Explore your surroundings and have a great time throughout the process. -Solidarity
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  2020-10-27

  Social Distancing reminders in Joshua Tree National Park

  This sign caught my eye because of the last item on the list “Still don’t use slower friends as bear bait” made me laugh. This could be of interest to future historians because it demonstrates how different places try to use humor to spread some positivity, while also reminding people how to hike while staying COVID safe. I was reminded of “the strange lives of objects in the coronavirus era” article, and the way simple objects can tell stories. The information outlined on this poster is not new, it outlines the same practices the CDC has advocated for nine months, but the way it is presented gives insight into how national parks are handling the pandemic.
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  2020-08-20

  Get Out!

  Even in a global pandemic when everything is shut down, there are still a million things to do and see. This was our family’s trip up Kennebec Pass, which is only an hour from our hose. Covid is the perfect opportunity to explore your own back yard, provided you do so safely!
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  2020-04

  The Silence of Moab

  Moab Utah is a lively tourist town normally filled with visitors from around the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it a ghost town.
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  2020-05-15

  Navajo President Urges National Park Service to keep Grand Canyon Closed

  "Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is urging the National Park Service to keep Grand Canyon National Park closed in order to minimize the potential impacts of COVID-19. The Navajo Nation shares the eastern border of Grand Canyon with the park. (Loretta McKenney/WGCN)"
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  2020-03-27

  Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces Lake Harriet Parkway and Lake Nokomis Parkway closures to help trail users maintain social distancing

  "In coordination with Gov. Waltz' Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) President Jono Cowgill announced additional parkway closures to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices to limit the spread of COVID-19."