Thankful Thursday: Crossing America Edition

Let’s just say it plain: we’re full-up grateful.

This year, Crossing America took us from mountaintops to marshes, historic landmarks to icy lakes, and into the hearts of thousands of students across the country. And let me tell you—every mile, every moment, every messy behind-the-scenes second was worth it.

We stood under the marble monuments of the National Mall, watched the morning light dance across Sloan Pond at Mammoth Cave, and stood ankle-deep in the River of Grass in the Everglades, watching birds take flight like it was choreographed just for us.

We overlooked the awe-inspiring beauty of the New River Gorge, watched the stars twinkle over Voyageurs, and walked through stories etched into the stone at El Morro, Amache, and Bent’s Old Fort. From Glacier to Cabrillo, Rocky Mountain to Medgar and Myrlie Evers, and even across ancient lava flows at El Malpais—we didn’t just visit these places. We felt them.

But the numbers? The reach? That’s where it gets unreal.

✨ Over 10,000 students welcomed us into their schools in person.
✨ More than 70,000 joined us virtually—with even more watching in classrooms later through replays.
✨ And our Holiday in the Parks: 5 series? It brought 25 national parks together to celebrate the season. Five of those livestreams had over 12,000 students each. And then there was Voyageurs on the Ice Lakes… where we were joined by over 45,000 students from across the country, all witnessing a frozen wonderland under the northern lights.

But if you really want to know why this matters, don’t look at the numbers. Listen to the kids:

💬 “I used to think national parks were just parks… but now I know they’re super special. I want to help protect them.” – Grayson
💬 “My favorite was helping clean Mammoth Cave’s water system… my mom bought a biodegradable cooler because of what I taught her.” – Harrison
💬 “Creating our own monuments meant a lot to me because I did one for my Grandpa” – Samuel
💬 “I want to learn about Denali next.” – Kyle
💬 “Can you come to our school?" – Rachael

These voices are the reason we keep going. This is more than livestreams and lessons—it’s stewardship in the making.

And none of it would’ve happened without the incredible support of the National Park Foundation. Their belief in our mission allowed us to dream big, say yes to the impossible, and show students that the world is wide and waiting.

So to the rangers who stood in the snow, the swamps, the deserts, and the forests with us—thank you.
To the teachers who pressed play and made room for wonder—thank you.
To the students who asked why, how, and what can I do next—thank you.

We’re not just crossing America.
We’re stitching together hearts, parks, and purpose.
And raising up a generation who will notice, protect, and love this Earth like it’s theirs—because it is.

💛 With so much gratitude,
Dr. Drizzle & the Expeditions in Education Team