Longer entrance lines. Closed visitor centers. Fewer ranger programs. Overflowing trash cans. Delayed maintenance. Trails and facilities are struggling to keep up with record-breaking visitation.

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into what’s actually happening to our national parks, including major National Park Service staffing cuts, proposed budget reductions, and the growing pressure facing park employees and public lands across the United States.

But more importantly, I wanted to focus on something practical: what we can actually do to help.

This episode covers:

• Why national parks are struggling right now
• The impact of staffing and budget cuts on the National Park Service
• Record visitation numbers and increasing strain on parks
• Simple ways visitors can support national parks and park staff
• Leave No Trace and responsible recreation
• Why wildlife safety and respecting park rules matter
• How to support local gateway communities
• Volunteering, advocacy, and contacting your representatives
• Ways to protect public lands beyond social media activism

I also share realistic, accessible ways that everyday people can make a difference, whether that’s visiting during off-peak times, attending ranger programs, volunteering locally, supporting nonprofits, or simply being a kinder, more prepared visitor.

My mission has always been to remind people that the outdoors belong to all of us, and protecting these places takes all of us too.