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.”
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Greetings from Glacier National Park
Pristine glacial lakes, a boat dock, and an old cedar forest. This is Glacier National Park, a place that I’ve never set my foot on due to the pandemic. I took an online course from Glacier Institute and learned about how the landscape of the park came to be. I…
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