“America's national parks are a treasure house of nature's superlatives – 84 million acres of the most stunning landscapes anyone has ever seen. They became the last refuge for magnificent species of animals that otherwise would have vanished forever; today, they remain a refuge for human beings seeking to replenish their spirit.
The national parks embody a radical idea, as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence, born in the United States nearly a century after its creation. It is a truly democratic idea, that the magnificent natural wonders of the land should be available not to a privileged few, but to everyone.
The idea has been constantly debated, constantly tested and is constantly evolving, ultimately embracing places that also preserve the nation's first principles, its highest aspirations, its greatest sacrifices – even reminders of its most shameful mistakes. Most of all, the story of the national parks is the story of people from every conceivable background who were willing to devote themselves to saving a portion of the land they loved.”

- National Parks: America’s Best Idea by Ken Burns

To me, the “great idea” of the National Parks is that it was very much fueled by a few people, but that it became something that all of America can enjoy to this day; that even a few people can make a difference for us all.  With this in mind, I want you to think about nature, conservation,  preservation, and restoration.  Think of a time that you felt connected on a personal level to nature.  In a few sentences, describe that moment.

Now, watch this short video clip of a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park as he describes his own moment.

http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/scrapbook/display/5565fac478564823a7a9b3c3cdc72867

Now, think about what still needs to be done.  Watch this video from Sylvia Earle who gives a TED talk about the world’s oceans.

http://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_earle_s_ted_prize_wish_to_protect_our_oceans.html

Your task now, is to do some research to find something you feel passionate about regarding nature.  What is your cause?  Why is it so important to you?  It could be local like the Jones Falls Watershed, or the Chesapeake Bay.  It could be national, like the Sierra Club, or National Parks, or Audubon Society.  Or it could be global like saving the Amazon rainforest, or mountain gorillas in Rwanda.  Think about something that you feel is important to you, and is important for generations to come.

Now, find an organization that you think does good work in this area.  By next class, you need to have a topic and organization you want to support.  You will have class time to work on a picket sign that supports your organization and cause.  You will also be writing a letter to your local congressman about this issue and why they should support it as well.