Crossing America: A Journey Through America's National Parks

Author: Dacia Jones

Over the past two years, Crossing America has transported students nationwide on an extraordinary virtual journey to explore the dazzling diversity of National Parks across the United States! 🌳🏞️ We are filled with gratitude for the support from the National Park Foundation to make this unique project possible. 🤝

🌟 A Few Highlights of the Journey 🌟

• 💡 Lizzie from Massachusetts: Lizzie developed a humane trap to capture invasive signal crayfish at Crater Lake National Park and, with a compassionate touch, included a photo of herself so the crayfish wouldn’t feel too bad! 🦞💖
• 🌐 Webb from Tennessee: A then 1st grader, Webb, designed an innovative trail system for San Antonio Missions to prevent erosion from affecting the structures! 🌿🏛️
• 🌿 Claudia from Pennsylvania: Claudia worked towards inclusivity, designing an elevated walkway at Big Cypress to ensure accessibility for everyone, including those in wheelchairs! 🌾🦼
• 🌟Marshawn from North Carolina: Inspired by Maggie L. Walker, Marshawn designed elevators that play inspirational messages to lift people's spirits at the Maggie L. Walker National Historical Park! 🌺📢
• 🦀 Sara from Oklahoma:: Sara turned a challenge into an opportunity, creating delicious recipes using invasive green crabs at Acadia National Park to support local wormers and clammers! 🌊🍽️

• 🌊 Samuel from Florida: Samuel, intrigued by Indiana Dunes, along with a friend, created innovative swimsuits that detect high levels of bacteria in Lake Michigan! 🏊‍♂️🔍
• 🌞 Students from Indiana:: A dedicated group of 4th graders worked collectively to create PSA's emphasizing the importance of hydration and heat monitoring for visitors to Death Valley! 🌵💦

🌈 Impacting Lives and Shaping the Future 🌈 We are witnessing the promising future in these vibrant, innovative minds! 🌟 They're not just learning; they're actively solving real-world problems our national parks face, inspired by science and stories from the parks. 🌱 Their dedication ensures the future of our earth is in capable hands. 🌍💚

🌟 Expanding Horizons 🌟 Over the past two years, ‘Crossing America' has reached nearly 500,000 students, educators, and family members, instilling knowledge and cultivating connections. We are tremendously thankful for the hands that have joined us in this journey. 🤲💕
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Let’s continue to inspire EVERY student to connect with, learn more about the world around them, and become better humans! 🌿💡🌐 👩‍🏫 #Education #NationalParks #Innovation #Inspiration #FutureLeaders #Sustainability #Inclusivity #Humanity #Collaboration