When was the last time you spent time in nature? Like, really got out there, went off the radar and connected with Earth? If it's been that long then it's time you took advantage of free entrance days in the U.S. national parks. This Saturday, September 23, happens to be one of those days when the National Park Service waives admission to all of its magnificent green spaces, including the major ones—Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Acadia and Zion, to name a few. There are 63 national parks in total, so you'll have plenty of reasons to get out in nature this weekend.
The National Park Service offers free admission five times a year, and this Saturday is one of them. September 23 is also National Public Lands, established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. It's one of the country's largest volunteer efforts, encouraging connection between people and green spaces and inspiring environmental stewardship. With that said, visitors to the park this weekend—and every day—are urged to Leave No Trace, a shared outdoor phrase encompassing principles meant to inspire folks to leave nature as unchanged by their presence as possible.
Whether volunteering at a park or communing with nature, enjoy the free outdoor activity!