From indigenous lands to today’s national parks, this 2-hour course will focus on the history of the lands we call National Parks, the birth of the National Park system, and challenges facing parks and public lands today. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to become an effective advocate for National Parks, public lands, and indigenous rights.
In this 2-hour course, you’ll learn the skills to plan and execute a successful National Parks adventure so your next trip goes off without a hitch. You’ll leave the course with a comprehensive planning toolkit and an official Leave No Trace Awareness certification.
Joe Gibson is an outdoor educator, outdoorsman, and trail crew leader. His career in conservation has included work for AmeriCorps, the National Park Service, Parks Project, and Rocky Mountain Field Institute. As both a teacher and student of public lands history, Joe is stoked on growing the community of public lands advocates and responsible recreationists.
Dr. Len Necefer is the CEO & Founder of NativesOutdoors. Len has worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA Glenn Research Center, and most recently the University of Arizona. His storytelling focuses on the intersection of indigenous people, the environment, and human powered movement through landscape.
Why should I take this course?
Whether you’re an occasional visitor or a seasoned adventurer, anyone who spends time in the great outdoors should have an understanding of the histories and systems that have shaped public lands in the United States. Understanding the past will help you become a better advocate today.
What is the format of the course?
The course is a Zoom video conference involving visual elements, interactive quizzes, and live discussions.
Will I have access to a video of the course?
Sessions will be live and unrecorded so we encourage taking notes! In addition to a digital packet of resources, you will always be able to contact instructors for any follow-up questions. As a member of the exclusive Parks 101 Alumni Facebook Group, you will stay in the loop on any course updates and community discussions.
What if I register for the course but then can’t attend?
No worries if you need to reschedule. Just shoot Joe an email at joe@parksproject.us and we can help find another date that works for you.
Do I have to live in the United States to take the course?
We welcome folks from all over the world! Courses are typically scheduled for 5:00-7:00pm Pacific Time (1:00 UTC). Courses are held in English.