I promised myself I would share this amazing and inspiring story with the world about how we have both a privilege and duty associated with our national parks. Each one of us who has visited a national park and spent some time in one has felt the benefit of that visit to our being-physical, mental, and spiritual. Yet, we forget that we have a duty towards the parks as well. A duty to not spoil the beauty of the park and its surroundings by throwing trash in it. As part of my recent visit to the Havasu Falls within Grand Canyon we had to trek 2400 ft down one day and back on the third day. Although it was a difficult trek uphill and that too in the peak sun, this amazing guide (Alex Wood) from Wildland Trekking company, not only gave us encouragement and water to complete our hike, he also continued picking up recyclable trash along the way out. He ended his journey having collected three heavy bags full of recyclables. Not trusting the recycling in the area, his goal was to take it with him to personally ensure the items got recycled. A lot of people walking out got inspired by him and praised him no end. But the best compliment he got was from the canyon itself which rewarded this budding hiker/geologist with a rare fossilized stone.
Sincerely,
Grand Canyon National Park
America’s Southwest is full of breathtaking canyons, but none as famous or as widely visited as the Grand Canyon. This world-famous landmark offers wondrous views, spectacular hiking, exhilarating whitewater rafting and countless adventures. One look across the enormous chasm confirms just why this inspirational place is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-see destination for so many travelers. The park also protects a wealth of biological diversity, including numerous endemic and threatened species and several rare ecosystems.
State(s): Arizona
Established: 1919
“it's the right thing to do and they are our pride and joy”
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