You do have to be careful with your voice. It is an instrument.
Elvis Costello
This week, April 18-26, has been designated as a time to celebrate the 58 national parks in the United States through National Park Week and to remember that we can be instruments of change.

As we pay tribute, even virtually, to the beauty that has been preserved, we influence younger generations to visit our parks, conserve the natural assets set aside and protected for all, and explore what we can do to appreciate as well as enjoy our beautiful national parks.

We’ve seen many but not all of the national parks. And our home is within an hour drive of the most visited one: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We’ve driven the parks, hiked a bit, taken pictures, stood on the edges of natural formations, staring out at the vastness, and quietly marveled at the natural beauty right here in the USA.

This week, consider how we all can do more to appreciate and preserve our national parks. Learn about their unique qualities.

And share with others how we can maintain our parks for generations to come.

Since the parks are closed this week due to the nation’s efforts to curtail the spread of coronavirus, the National Park Service invites you to celebrate the parks while having fun using the 20 in 20 virtual ideas for celebrating National Park Week.

We can be instruments of change. But we must expand our knowledge and share with future generations the important work of preserving and protecting our national parks. And, as soon as we can, we need to hit the road and visit our parks again — or for the first time. There’s much to see out there!
Rusha & Bert

This post is one of a series of one-word prompts for April 2020 called Discover Prompts by WordPress. Enjoy!
Curt Mekemson
Great post, Rusha. A reminder of how important our national parks as well as our other protected natural areas are to us and future generations. And, of course, right on for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day today! –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
I think we both love the same earth, and if that’s all we have in common, it’s enough! Thanks for commenting. I’ve got your posts to read soon. And they’re always good. Take care and hug Oregon for us. We’ve got TN taken care of.
Lani
Gorgeous photos and great quote.
Oh, the Places We See
I love that quote as well. Hope you are safe and making it through this tough time.
Lani
Thanks, you too!
cindy knoke
Good for you. The true beauty of America lies in her nature.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right. I can tell from your photography how much you love the earth. Thanks for all you contribute to it.
kzmcb
Great post. Too true.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look and commenting. I love our parks and hope to see more of them in the near future.