If you came looking for Apple Guardians, you found it! Only the site name has changed. All else stays the same. Welcome back.

July 31, 2009

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


July 30, 2009

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


July 29, 2009

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


July 28, 2009

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




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