Great American Outdoors
The United States is home to a vast and stunningly diverse system of national parks. Each offers unique opportunities for outdoor exploration, conservation, and education. Our nation has a rich history of champions of the great American outdoors ...
Native Americans were the original conservationists, their practices embodying a deep connection to and respect of the land. "We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees" (Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation).
In post-colonial early America, ideas of conservation were shaped by essayists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it” (Thoreau).
And it is the profound and enduring conservation legacies of presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter that tangibly express the importance of preserving natural landscapes, protecting wildlife and practicing sustainability within the management of natural resources. “We have become great because of the lavish use of our resources. But the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, when the soils have still further impoverished and washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, denuding the fields and obstructing navigation” (Theodore Roosevelt).
Among the earliest established national parks were Mackinac National Park (Michigan, 1875) Sequoia National Park (California, 1890) and Crater Lake National Park (Oregon, 1902). Today the U.S. national park system encompasses over 400 sites, each offering an irreplaceable respite from daily routines and hectic lifestyles. As the current stewards of these natural havens, we must support ongoing efforts to protect our national parks from challenges including air and water pollution, climate change and overuse by visitors.
lotus27™ proudly carries a comfortable, stylish and incredibly well-made selection of items from The Landmark Project. The Landmark Project is dedicated to good ethical and environmental practices, a beautifully utilitarian representation of our national parks, and responsible and inclusive support of enthusiasts within the great American outdoors community. A number of their products are licensed through the US Forest Service, 1% of their gross revenue benefits charities registered with 1% for the Planet, and 10% of proceeds from products featuring Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl or Ranger Rick go directly to conservation organizations and educational programs.
