Stewards of Zion: Military Families Connect with Nature Through Conservation

In October 2024, military families experienced a day of adventure and conservation at Zion National Park, thanks to a partnership between the National Park Trust, the National Park Service (NPS), and Our Military Kids. This collaboration brings together National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members and their families for outdoor recreation opportunities in national parks across the country.

The day kicked off with a gathering at the historic Zion Lodge, where park rangers presented on Zion’s natural wonders, the importance of park preservation, and how everyone can contribute to stewardship efforts. Inspired by the message, the families enjoyed lunch together before setting out on a two-hour hike along the Virgin River.

As they walked, the group admired Zion’s stunning landscape and explored local plant and animal life. A major highlight of the day was the group’s collective effort to pick up over five pounds of trash along the trail, making an immediate impact on the park’s ecosystem.

One memorable moment was when the kids jumped into action to scrub away graffiti on a rock, with one young participant declaring it was “the best experience of his life!” Their enthusiasm and teamwork reflected the connection between service, stewardship, and the natural world.

At the end of the outing, participating military families were given an Interagency Military Annual Pass, granting them access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites, including all National Park Service locations, for a full year.

This event at Zion National Park marks the last of four outdoor events held in 2024 by this partnership, with other gatherings at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, IN, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY, and Indiana Dunes National Park, IN. Through this program, the National Park Trust, NPS, and Our Military Kids not only provide enriching experiences for military families but also foster an appreciation for conservation and the beauty of our national parks.