The United States park system is a wonderful resource that people of all ages can use. Due to the size of the state and its biodiversity, California, in particular, has an expansive state park system ranging from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the south to Mendocino Headlands State Park on the northern coast. People who are dedicated to stopping climate change, such as Vincent Barletta, want people to take advantage of these natural areas and appreciate what they have to offer. Here are a few reasons to visit California state parks.
Exercise
Exercise is a common reason why people visit any park. A few of the many benefits of regular physical activity include a better mood, healthier heart and lungs, stronger bones and muscles, and lower blood pressure. Walking or jogging in a naturally beautiful area can be a great motivator for people who may not feel like getting out and engaging in exercise on a given day, and state parks definitely have scenic beauty to offer.
Camping
Camping is a fun activity for many families, but finding a good location to set up their tent for the night can be difficult. Fortunately, state parks offer safe areas that are specifically for those who are camping. In addition, the Mediterranean-like climate that extends to much of California, bringing mild temperatures all year long, makes camping an enjoyable activity any time of the year. Mild temperatures mean that the winters rarely get too cold and the summers rarely get too hot, which is ideal for being outside without a way to heat or cool down a tent.
Camping in state parks often requires a small fee which is used to maintain the campsite and the park as a whole. In addition, those who help the environment, like Vincent Barletta, know that the parks generally ask campers to leave no trace behind, or to leave the campsite the way that the camper found it upon arrival. As the saying goes. “Take nothing, but pictures, leave nothing, but footprints, kill nothing but time.”
Amenities
Many towns and cities have parks where people can go for free, but they can sometimes be lacking in even basic amenities, such as water fountains and restrooms. However, state parks tend to be well-maintained and offer features such as clean bathrooms and visitor centers. California makes a point to ensure that many parks have picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing locations, and campsites that are accessible to all.
Bio
Vincent Barletta is the author of several books and teaches courses at Stanford University in California. Prof. Barletta also performs research for the Europe Center at Stanford, where he focuses on Iberian literature and Latin American cultures. An advocate of workers and the environment, Barletta enjoys bringing people to great literature and helping people gain a more worldly perspective.
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