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As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude, awe, and hope for what lies ahead. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled to share the highlights of what we’ve accomplished together.
National Parks Visited This year, we explored 25 national parks across the United States, connecting with students and educators in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. From the majestic peaks of Pinnacles National Park to the historic beauty of San Juan National Historical Park, every park offered unique opportunities for learning and connection. Students and Educators Impacted Our mission to inspire through education and exploration reached new heights in 2024. Over 1,245,003 students and educators engaged with our resources, attended our events, or participated in virtual programming. Your enthusiasm and passion keep us moving forward! Through a grant with the National Park Foundation and the Save the Dunes Foundation, we were able to reach another 72,000 students with the Great Lakes Odyssey. This 3-week "on the road" tour of six Great Lakes Parks, in partnership with the Great Lakes Research and Science Center, brought the wonders of these unique ecosystems to life. We also celebrated our 3rd year of Crossing America with the National Park Foundation, and it was another huge success! This year’s program included 6 LiveStreams and 10 school visits, further showcasing how vital NPF is as a collaborator in bringing education and inspiration to communities nationwide. STEAM in the PARK We hosted 12 STEAM in the PARK camps this summer, welcoming 389 participants to immersive, hands-on learning experiences in national parks. These camps are the heart of what we do, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with the natural world. New Content and Resources Our team worked tirelessly to create and share over 200 new pieces of content on our website, providing educators and learners with fresh, innovative tools and ideas to connect classrooms with nature. New Books Published In 2024, we proudly published 15 new books focused on teaching, learning, and the wonders of national parks. Each story, resource, and guide is a testament to the power of storytelling and education. Miles Traveled Our journey took us across the country, logging over 70,000 miles flown and another 50,000 miles driven. Every mile was worth it to bring the magic of national parks to communities far and wide. New Friendships and Reunions Perhaps the most meaningful part of this year has been the connections we’ve made and rekindled. From new friendships born in the field to reunions with old friends and collaborators, these relationships are the foundation of our work. Looking Ahead to 2025 As we prepare for a new year, our mantra is "Eyes and Hearts Wide Open." With this guiding principle, we aim to inspire even more humans to bring the light. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
A Bright Future In a world that often feels dark, we remain committed to being a source of light and inspiration. Together, we can foster curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for the natural world. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to a remarkable 2025 with Eyes and Hearts Wide Open!
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My mom was an incredible storyteller. She journaled constantly, and her writings have been such a gift to me. Inspired by her, I started gathering my own journals, post-it notes, and random scribbles, and put them all into PAGES on my computer. In January 2023, I began writing The Adventures of Marvin & Huck, a series based on our National Park blogs. By January 2024, I felt inspired to try something different—a memoir of my life. And from there, I just couldn’t stop. I started reflecting on the stories I’ve shared with teachers, the memories I’ve heard from park rangers, and my own experiences growing up. These books aren’t professionally written, and I’m publishing them myself, but they come from the heart. Today, I’m sharing this on what would have been my mom’s 82nd birthday. It feels like the perfect time to honor her and her love of storytelling by sharing my own journey with writing. If you’re interested in learning more about our newest books, you can check them out and order directly from us at https://www.expeditionsineducation.org/ourbooks.html All proceeds go to our nonprofit, Expeditions in Education, to support educators and programs across the country. I don’t think of myself as an author—just a collector of memories. Writing has been a gift for me, and I hope these stories can be a gift to others.  🌍 Over 170 National Park Sites & Counting! Since 2019, we’ve had the incredible privilege of visiting and filming at over 170 national park sites across the country! From caves to coastlines and deserts to forests, every park has something unique to teach us. We’ve met incredible rangers who bring these places to life with their stories and knowledge. In this edition, we kick off a series of ABC Highlights to showcase some of the amazing parks we've visited. Find these videos and others HERE! 🏞️ Acadia National Park, ME 🌉 Highlight: Rockefeller Bridges Located on Maine’s rocky coast, Acadia is known for its stunning views, historic carriage roads, and incredible biodiversity. We explored the iconic Rockefeller Bridges with Rangers Kate and Lisa, who shared fascinating insights about the park’s history and wildlife. And did you know Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise? We got up early to catch the breathtaking view. ⛓️ Alcatraz Island, CA 🔍 Highlight: Untold Stories While famous for its prison history, Alcatraz Island is also home to unique flora and fauna, plus a rich Native American heritage. Ranger Benny guided us through its history, not just of the prison but also the island’s untold stories, including the 1969 Native American occupation that demanded better treatment for Indigenous people. Exploring Alcatraz was both haunting and inspiring! 🐴 Assateague Island National Seashore, MD/VA ❄️ Highlight: Wild Horses in the Sleet Assateague is famous for its wild horses, believed to be descendants of those brought by early European settlers. Despite a January sleet storm, Rangers Liz and Matt shared stories about the island’s history and how these resilient horses survive the tough coastal environment. Seeing them roaming freely, even in a storm, was magical! 🌿 Big Cypress National Preserve, FL 🌀 Highlight: Swamp Walking Adventure Big Cypress, a vast expanse of swamps and wetlands, is critical for preserving the unique Everglades ecosystem. Ranger Lisa guided us through knee-deep water as we explored this biodiverse preserve. We saw towering cypress trees, countless birds, and tiny frogs—and kept an eye out for any submerged surprises! 🌊 Biscayne National Park, FL 🚤 Highlight: Exploring by Boat With 95% of the park underwater, Biscayne National Park is best explored by boat. Rangers Carrie and Liz guided us through coral reefs, mangroves, and shipwrecks as we learned about its importance as a marine sanctuary. The vibrant underwater world is home to countless species, making it a treasure trove for conservation and marine life enthusiasts. 🧗 Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 🦝 Highlight: Hoodoos & Prairie Dogs Famous for its unique hoodoos—towering rock spires carved by erosion—Bryce Canyon offers stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife. Ranger Keith taught us about the delicate balance of this desert ecosystem, including the vital role prairie dogs play. Sunrise over the canyon was nothing short of magical. ✈️ Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, OH 💨 Highlight: Flying Hats & Wright Brothers History This park celebrates the legacy of the Wright Brothers, pioneers of modern aviation. Ranger Bob gave us a tour of key historical sites, and the blustery wind made for a funny moment as Ranger Kathleen’s hat flew off—fitting for a park focused on flight! 🌌 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 🕳️ Highlight: 700 Feet Underground Carlsbad Caverns features over 100 caves carved from limestone by ancient water flow. We joined Ranger Dan, an archaeological geologist, 700 feet underground to marvel at the park’s massive stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring this vast underground world was both humbling and awe-inspiring. 🚨 Cape Cod National Seashore, MA 🦈 Highlight: Life-Saving Stations & Sharks Cape Cod’s beautiful beaches are known for their historic life-saving stations, which once protected mariners from treacherous seas. Rangers Aleutia and Bill told us about the heroic rescues, while Ranger Mark taught us all about Cape Cod’s thriving shark population and ongoing conservation efforts. 🏛️ Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, AZ 📜 Highlight: The Big House This ancient site, built by the Hohokam people, features the "Big House," an architectural marvel of its time. Rangers Sarah and Andrea shared stories about the people who lived in the Sonoran Desert and how their ingenuity shaped the landscape. 🌟 César E. Chávez National Monument, CA 🌳 Highlight: Inspiration from a Civil Rights Icon This park honors the legacy of César Chávez and the farmworkers' movement. Ranger Miranda shared her passion for the outdoors and told us how she was inspired by her mother to continue Chávez’s fight for justice and equality. ❄️ Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM 🏺 Highlight: Snowstorm & Ancient Ruins Despite a New Mexico snowstorm, Ranger RisingBuffalo guided us through Chaco’s ancient ruins, which were once the center of a vibrant Ancestral Puebloan civilization. We learned about their advanced architecture and how the buildings align with celestial events. 🐾 Crater Lake National Park, OR 🦎 Highlight: Newts & Crystal Blue Waters Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, is the deepest lake in the U.S. Its crystal-clear waters are mesmerizing. Ranger John introduced us to the park’s endemic newts, explaining how they’ve adapted to this unique environment. 🏝️ Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA 🐎 Highlight: Horses, History & Pristine Beauty This protected island is known for its wild horses, historic mansions, and unspoiled beaches. Ranger Robin gave us a tour of the island, sharing stories about the Carnegie family and the island’s fascinating history. 🚶 Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH 🌲 Highlight: Reviving Nature Once an industrial corridor, Cuyahoga Valley is now a beautiful expanse of forests, wetlands, and scenic trails. Ranger Rebecca told us the story of its transformation and the ongoing efforts to protect its ecosystems. 🔥 Death Valley National Park, CA 🌌 Highlight: Hot Days & Dark Skies Known as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley also boasts some of the best stargazing in the world. Ranger Rhys shared stories about the desert’s extreme climate and the breathtaking night skies. 🏞️ Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, NJ/PA 🥾 Highlight: Protecting Scenic Trails This park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers, with miles of scenic trails and pristine rivers. Rangers Dani and Neal shared their work to protect these natural resources and the wildlife that call the park home. 🐢 Dry Tortugas National Park, FL 🌊 Highlight: Sea Turtles, Fort Jefferson & Sailor! This remote park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is home to stunning coral reefs and the historic Fort Jefferson. Ranger Curtis took us on a boat ride to visit sea turtle nesting sites and introduced us to his dog, Sailor, who charmed everyone on board! 🌟 That’s a Wrap on A-D Parks! Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where we’ll dive into our adventures at Parks E-H. Want to join the journey or have a park story of your own? Drop us a note at [email protected] Happy Exploring, Dacia & Steve I’m a little late sharing my word (or in this case, words) for 2025 because I’ve been reflecting deeply on what I truly want this year to represent. After much thought, my guiding words for the year are "Eyes and Heart Wide Open." They are a reminder to approach each day with curiosity, kindness, and an unwavering sense of wonder.
Whether I’m walking beneath towering trees, gazing at a starlit sky, or feeling the crisp air of a mountain morning, nature has a way of grounding us and expanding our perspective. Connecting with nature allows us to truly see and feel—not just the beauty of the world around us, but the potential within ourselves and others. It teaches us to listen, not just to the sounds of the wild, but to the quiet wisdom within. But let’s be honest—sometimes the noise of the world can interfere. The busyness, distractions, and negativity can drown out the things that truly matter. In those moments, we must remind ourselves: we control what we hear and allow into our hearts. We can choose to tune out the noise and make space for the whispers of the wind, the songs of the birds, and the truths that nature so generously offers. "And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." – John Muir This year, I want to challenge myself—and others—to lean into that understanding. To let the call of a loon or the rustling of leaves awaken a sense of connection. To let the vastness of a mountain range or the resilience of a tiny wildflower inspire courage. With eyes wide open, I hope to see the opportunities to make a difference. With a heart wide open, I want to embrace the people and moments that make life extraordinary. Together, let’s celebrate nature’s ability to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are part of something so much greater. What does opening your eyes and heart to the world around you look like this year? Let’s take this journey together—one step, one trail, and one breathtaking view at a time. 💚🌿✨ |
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Expeditions in Education gives you permission to use our materials as-is. Logos and names from the documents must remain. Please provide credit and link back to our website when using our resources. Expeditions In Education, INC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 85-1846134 Dacia and Steve Jones. Email us Copyright 2025 |