Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month

“Treat Yo' Self.”
Donna Meagle (Parks and Recreation, Season 4, Episode 4)
 
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to “treat yo' self,” to the outdoor spaces and community programs that make our lives brighter, healthier, and more connected. Whether it’s a sprawling national park or your neighborhood playground, these spaces are essential for both personal well-being and community strength.
 
At the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library, we’re proud to recognize the parks, people, and programs that make Douglas County, and all of Oregon, such a beautiful place to live and learn. We invite you to take this opportunity to explore the history, science, and significance of outdoor recreation through the resources we offer.
 
 Parks in Douglas County
 
From the rugged beauty of Umpqua National Forest to the charming walking trails at Stewart Park, Douglas County is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring outdoor experiences in Oregon. Local parks, trails, waterfalls and recreation programs offer countless ways to connect with nature, stay active, and strengthen community ties. The book Land of the Umpqua opens with vivid photos and descriptions of some of the region’s most stunning sites, many of which can be explored by hiking through local parks, such as Lemolo Falls. It also highlights numerous places of historical significance, offering great ideas for anyone looking to experience the cultural and natural beauty of the Umpqua area.
 
Oregon Parks and Recreation is responsible for some of the most breathtaking and diverse destinations in the state. From the windswept beaches of Cape Lookout State Park to the dramatic cliffs and rock formations at Shore Acres, Oregon’s coastal parks offer unforgettable ocean views. Inland, visitors can explore the towering waterfalls and dense forests of Silver Falls State Park, or hike among the ancient lava flows at Smith Rock, a world-renowned climbing destination. Crater Lake National Park is a breathtaking destination, known for its deep blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the deepest lake in the United States, formed within the caldera of an ancient volcano.  For a taste of history, places like Fort Stevens and Champoeg State Heritage Area connect visitors to Oregon’s past. With over 250 parks, trails, and heritage sites, the department offers a wide range of landscapes and activities that showcase the natural and cultural richness of the state, and for a detailed guide with maps and tips for hikers, backpackers, climbers, cross-country skiers, and paddlers, Exploring Oregon's Wild Areas by William L. Sullivan is a great resource.
 
Why Parks Matter
Parks are more than just green spaces, they’re tools for physical and mental wellness, environmental stewardship, public education, engagement, equity and access to safe, open spaces. They provide room to breathe, grow, and reflect. In the immortal words of Ronald Ulysses Swanson,
 
Go outside. Remain. There. Until morning.”
 (Season 3, Episode 2)
 
Wise advice, especially in July.
 
 
Library Resources to Explore Parks and Recreation
Books & eBooks: Hiking and Backpacking by Marni Goldenberg and Bruce Martin, offers practical guidance on how to make your outdoor adventures safe, eco-friendly, and enjoyable.  Science, Conservation, and National Parks, edited by Steven R. Beissinger, David D. Ackerly, Holly Doremus, and Gary E. Machlis, explores how scientific research informs conservation efforts within U.S. national parks. The book brings together perspectives from ecology, policy, and law to address the challenges of protecting natural and cultural resources in a changing world. The book The National Parks of America by Michael Brett is a visually rich photographic guide showcasing more than 50 of the United States’ national parks, from Grand Canyon and Yosemite to Glacier Bay and Acadia. Across its 240 pages, it blends breathtaking full color images, 54 maps, and concise visitor information, such as access, lodging, hiking, and wildlife; to both inspire and inform travelers and nature lovers. This Land Is Your Land: The Story of Field Biology in America by Michael J. Lanoo is great for those interested in ecology and field science.
 
 
Films on Demand: Watch enlightening films such as The National Parks: America's Best Idea, Ken Burns’ moving series on the history and power of public lands. Also check out Going to Green a sustainability series is inspired by the award-winning PBS documentary series Edens Lost & Found, which focuses on revitalizing America’s urban landscapes by building sustainable neighborhood ecosystems.
 
Kanopy: Stream films such as National Parks Adventure a film narrated by Robert Redford is a film that celebrates 100 years of America’s national parks, taking viewers on a breathtaking journey through iconic landscapes like Yellowstone and Yosemite with adventurers Conrad Anker, Max Lowe, and Rachel Pohl. Also stream a very engaging film called Assembling North America, Park by Park. This film is about surveying parks and assessing the geology of the diverse continent. Rebels with a Cause is a documentary on preserving open spaces near urban areas from rampant development.
 
 
Parks Are for Everyone
“It's pointless for a human to paint scenes of nature when they can go outside and stand in it.”
Ron Swanson (Season 3, Episode 11)
 
From Douglas County’s trails and day-use areas to America’s vast network of national parks, outdoor spaces connect us to the land and to each other. They remind us that public resources, when protected and nurtured, offer lifelong benefits for everyone. So, this Parks and Recreation Month, take Ron Swanson’s advice (well, maybe not all of it), get outside, and celebrate the places that make our communities whole. Whether you’re hiking, reading under a tree, or joining a summer rec program; remember, the UCC Library is here to support your journey with knowledge, inspiration, and resources for every kind of explorer.
 
Happy adventuring!