Ah, yes, the great outdoors. Many see it as an object to be visited, or as part of their life-long bucket list, but it is also a soul in and of itself. To be cherished, loved and respected just like that old friend you see once in a while, who is always there to welcome you home.
As part of an experiential learning opportunity with the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program and the Ohio Fellows, I took on an 8-day hiking and service trip to Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Before embarking on this adventure of challenge and Bobcat spirit, I would not have called myself an avid hiker or outdoors enthusiast. Despite this, I was drawn to this place I had never been to, yet it felt so familiar.
National Parks are a large topic of political contention recently, with politicians debating their importance or how much protection they should be afforded.
In June, the Trump administration announced its plans to remove protections on logging in national forest lands. Debate regarding the rule sparked conversations from both sides, with Republicans alleging the increased logging would reduce forest fire fuel, and Democrats concerned about the “public land grab” it may induce.
In February, the Trump administration fired around 1,000 National Park Service employees who were newly hired, in a larger plan to "downsize government.”
Many expressed concern regarding National Park staffing, hours, public safety and resource protection.
Last year, more than 331.8 million people visited a national park, according to the U.S. National Park Service. In other words, people recognize these sites as something worth traveling to.
One thing the Grand Tetons hold true is that they are always reliable. Much like an old friend, their mountaintops are strong and sturdy. You could look up any day of the week, and they would still look relatively the same amount of jaw-dropping beauty.
The depth of the range’s cracks and faults is a reminder that, as humans, we are small. After spending a week surrounded by these ecosystems and rocks, I ask myself now more than ever, why is it so hard for over 331 million people to see that? What about others who still have destinations like this on their bucket list?
When all else is wild in the world, we still have the mountains, we still have the elk and we still have those stubborn bison sitting in the road while dads driving oversized campervans sigh at the sudden traffic.
Really, a greater theme of these national parks and sites is that we should stop and slow down. As cliché as it sounds, spending a week in the mountains with other Bobcats taught me this very well.
There is always time to smell the roses, laugh about trail names, share slightly squashed oranges from your lunch container or sit and stare at a moose for as long as it will let you.
The preservation of National Parks is not about tourism or logging. For some, it may be about seeking thrills or outdoor recreation, but for me, it is about holding onto the concept of time and security.
So next time you go to visit the great outdoors, whether it be Strouds or the Grand Canyon, say hi to my old friend for me (and remember to carry bear spray).
Emily Stokes is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have something to say? Email Emily at es542222@ohio.edu
