Summer 2019: it was my first time travelling to a national park, where I explored the park and lived with a group of strangers for 10 days!
To observe and record bird species, I went on a challenging hike with my peers. It was uphill the whole way, parts of the trail were really narrow, with long grasses and leaves brushing over me. When we finally reached the destination, I collapsed onto the ground to rest my sore muscles. Closing my eyes, I actually felt nature by inhaling the fresh air filled with the scent of fragrant wildflowers. Nature was all around me. I could hear the birds chirping and the shattering leaves blown by the wind.
For our research project, we collected insects and small invertebrates that belonged in the lake. Carefully handling the small creatures, we observed them with magnifying glasses. Our guide taught us about them with a chart that showed the relationships and evolution of the species. I have always been afraid of insects, even ants, but this experience completely opened my mind and changed my view of wildlife (and strangers).
My experience at Glacier not only surprised me with new friends and fascinating ecology, it also taught me why it is so important to preserve nature–so we can enjoy the beauty that it brings.
Sincerely,
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of forests, alpine meadows and lakes with habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life.
State(s): Montana
Established: 1910
“I support The Parks because they help us realize the importance of nature and lead us to reflect on our actions when we can possibly do harm.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}-
Greetings from Glacier National Park
Family gatherings at Apgar since 1950s. My Dad’s favorite place to take us. We all have kept this tradition alive and will keep in our family generations to come.
-
Greetings from Glacier National Park
I got to go to Glacier on a field trip for my Natural Resource Conservation class as a junior in high school. We spoke to some conservationists and did some activities like planting young trees and shrubs, as well as learning how to count and observe vegetation. It was an…
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now