Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin

Canaan Valley State Park, West Virginia

Maryhill State Park, Washington

Leesylvania State Park, Virginia

Sand Bar State Park, Vermont

Gunlock State Park, Utah

Garner State Park, Texas

Old Stone Fort State Park, Tennessee

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Kings Mountain State Park, South Carolina

Colt State Park, Rhode Island

Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

Crown Point State Park, Oregon

Osage Hills State Park, Oklahoma

Wayne National Forest, Ohio

Great (and unique) Vacation Idea

This is not your average family vacation. It is, however, one of the most rewarding ones you'll ever have. The American Hiking Society has put together a series of Volunteer Vacations. This event is a series of week long vacations that is hosted every week from May through November. They are a series of trail stewardship projects in exciting and diverse locations around the country. From the pristine beaches of the Pacific Northwest to the towering Rocky Mountains, from the glorious Great Lakes to the Southeast wetlands, you choose your adventure!

Trips involve backpacking or day hiking, and accomodations range from primitive camp sites to bunk houses or cabins. You will meet great people, experience amazing outdoor locations, and give back to your environment.

Why Volunteer?
Enjoy the fun and excitement of making new friends, sharing laughter over dinner and telling stories around the campfire. Experience the camraderie and sense of accomplishment after building a bridge or restoring a neglected trail.
Connect with the land, observe nature up close, and you'll become an educated, passionate voice for preserving and protecting our trails and natural areas.

Who Volunteers?
People interseted in an amazing, affordable adventure.
Outdoor lovers looking for new, like-minded friends.
Families, friends and couples; Singles and retirees; College students.
People who want to experience new beautiful parts of the country and give back to the environment.

People ranging from age 18-82. They offer family friendly trips!
Your humble Apple Guargian blogger will be away for one of these trips next week, and I'm not bringing any electronics. That means there will be a week-long gap in my posts. I encourage you to really think about finding a trip that is right for you. (Remember, they last through November and start up again in May). And when you go, I'm positive you will never regret it.

Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, North Dakota

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina

Niagara Falls Frontier State Park Commission, New York

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Cheesequake State Park, New Jersey

White Lake State Park, New Hampshsire

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Nevada

Niobrara State Park, Nebraska

Custer National Forest - Ashland Division, Montana

Sam A Baker State Park, Missouri

Leroy Percy State Park, Mississippi

Sakatah Lake State Park, Minnesota

Grand Haven State Park, Michigan

Balance Rock State Park, Massachusetts

Sandy Point State Park, Maryland

Acadia National Park, Maine

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Louisiana

Recreation and Parks Month

The official purpose of National Recreation and Parks Month is to showcase and invite community participation in quality leisure activity for all segments of the population. In other words, it is a time for you and your family to get outside and enjoy the sunshine by visiting our nation's beautiful National and State Parks.


Whether it's the local picnic area a mile from home or the Yellowstone National Park, national parks are a vital asset to our country. They keep communities green and allow people to take a breath of fresh air in this fast paced world. Some national parks serve as habitat preservation for all different kinds of animal species. They also offer programs that can be healthier alternatives for children and families. We recognized this holiday in July - a perfect month to enjoy a picnic or go sightseeing in one of our national parks. National Recreation and Parks Month also recognizes the volunteers and employees who keep the parks running smoothly.


The US National Recreation and Parks website states that:


1. Active users of public parks have a lower body mass index.


2. People who visit parks for longer periods of time (one hour or more) have significantly lower systolic blood pressures.


3. Park users who are more physically active and who make frequent contact with friends during their leisure are less likely to report feeling depressed.


4. Citizens who have better access to parks, visit parks more frquently, and engage in physically active park behaviors also make fewer visits to their doctor.


5. Playing in parks also helps children build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and improves self-esteem.

Tygarts State Forest, Kentucky

Lake Scott State Park, Kansas

Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa

Salamonie River State Park, Indiana

Fox Ridge State Park, Illinois

Priest Lake State Forest, Idaho

Mackenzie State Park, Hawaii

Laura S Walker State Park, Georgia

Gold Head Branch State Park, Florida

Brandywine Creek State Park, Delaware

Dennis Hill State Park, Connecticut

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, California

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Coconino National Forest, Arizona

Denali State Park, Alaska