Preserve our History, Environment and Culture, One Sign at a Time

History lives where we least expect it, on the weathered panels that stand guard beside trails,
perched atop scenic overlooks, and nestled near historic structures in our national parks. But today, these unassuming signboards face a serious threat: the Trump administration’s campaign to reshape and sanitize America’s story.

This isn’t just bureaucratic tinkering. The administration has pressured the National Park Service to review and rewrite interpretive text on exhibits and signage that it deems “anti-American.” In some cases, officials have gone further, asking park visitors to report signs and displays they believe cast the United States in an unfavorable light. Think about that, our national parks, places meant to educate and inspire, are being turned into battlegrounds for ideological purity tests.

What does this mean in practice? It means signs that tell the truth about some of the hardest chapters in our history are at risk:

• Civil War battlefields where signs honestly describe slavery as the central cause of the conflict.

• Native American sites that acknowledge forced removals, massacres, and broken treaties.

• World War II locations like Manzanar, Minidoka, and Tule Lake that tell the painful story of Japanese American incarceration.

• Civil Rights landmarks that document the violence and resistance faced by those who fought for equality.

• Environmental sites such as Glacier or Everglades, where interpretive text describes how climate change is reshaping ecosystems.

• Industrial and mining landscapes where signs explain the damage caused by pollution, clear-cutting, or overuse of natural resources.

Under this campaign, visitors could soon encounter only a whitewashed version of history, one stripped of struggle, diversity, and hard truths. If allowed to stand, this approach reduces our parks to propaganda rather than places of education and reflection. Trump has ordered information deemed inappropriate to be removed by September 17, 2025.

Now more than ever, we must safeguard these echoes of the past before they disappear.

Why It’s Important to Tell the Entire Story

Our national parks are more than scenic backdrops; they are living classrooms that reveal the full scope of America’s natural, cultural, and historic legacy. From the towering sequoias of California to the battlefields of the Civil War, these places tell stories that are both inspiring and difficult. Some celebrate achievement, resilience, and discovery; others confront us with injustice, exploitation, and loss.

If we allow only the comfortable or convenient stories to be told, we lose the richness of our collective past. Interpreting the whole spectrum, beauty and struggle, triumph and tragedy, helps us understand who we are as a nation. It reminds us of what we’ve overcome, and it equips us to confront challenges still before us.

Interpretive signs are one of the most direct ways visitors encounter these lessons. They provide context, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that future generations inherit a history that is truthful, not selective. Preserving these signs is about more than words on a panel, it’s about protecting the integrity of America’s story in all its complexity.

Introducing: The “Save Our Signs” Project

The Save Our Signs initiative is a grassroots effort dedicated to documenting and archiving all history-related interpretive signs across our national parks. Its vision is simple yet powerful: ensure future generations can read, learn from, and reflect on the truths these signs convey, regardless of shifting political winds.

What You Can Do — Today

1. Visit a national park: Any one will do. From Yosemite to Acadia, every sign tells a story.

2. Snap a photo: Aim for clarity, capture the entire sign, including any contextual elements like nearby artifacts, structures, or landscapes.

3. Submit it online: Upload the image (and any notes—location, date, sign text) via the project’s submission portal: Save Our Signs photo submission.

Why this matters:

• Public record: Even if signage is altered or removed, your contribution ensures the original remains accessible.

• Crowdsourced clarity: A database built by volunteers across the country captures diverse signs from major parks to small sites.

• Collective resistance: Taking this small step is a statement. Together, we show that history can’t be erased.

A Call to Action

Calling all history-lovers, hikers, families, park fans, and American patriots, your next trip to a national park can do more than renew your spirit; it can preserve the truth. When you’re there, pause. Look. Photograph.

Tag your photos with something like "SaveOurSigns" if you're sharing on social media, and don’t forget to submit through the project portal so your documentation becomes part of something lasting and impactful.

Here’s how to help move this forward:

• Share this post with your friends, local groups, and on social media. Encourage them to visit their local parks ASAP. Encourage folks to capture every sign imaginable, especially those sharing complex or underrepresented histories.

• Forward this post to friends, family, and colleagues who work for the National Park Service and other federal land management agencies. They come in contact with our parks' interpretive displays daily. They are in the best position to capture the vast majority of signs. Encourage these park employees to photograph their park's signs before September 17, 2025.

Together, we can build a lasting archive that resists erasure and honors every story that belongs to our national narrative. Visit a park. Take a photo. Save our signs and the history they tell.

###

Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park and Forest Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount St. Helens, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and in the QR code included. 

The Greatest Threat to Our National Parks Isn’t What We Thought

When I gave my TED Talk titled Why Protect National Parks ten years ago, I believed the
biggest threats to their survival were the usual suspects—urban sprawl creeping ever closer, reckless overuse, shrinking budgets, and the slow march of climate change. The solution seemed clear: keep the public engaged, remind people why these places matter, and keep fighting the good fight.

But I never imagined the biggest threat wouldn’t come from outside forces—but from the president himself.

A Storm Brewing Over Public Lands

In a blitz of executive orders, President Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the very foundations of our national parks. Thousands of park rangers fired. Budgets frozen. Protections for forests and wildlife gutted. Environmental safeguards rolled back. Each move may seem like just another bureaucratic shuffle, but together, they spell disaster for America’s most treasured landscapes.

The short-term fallout? A summer of chaos—park closures, mismanagement, and deep frustration for millions of visitors. The long-term risk? A national park system so weakened that it’s ripe for the taking. The same forces that have long eyed our public lands for private gain—real estate developers, fossil fuel companies, and politicians eager to hand over control to the states—now have an open door.

The Greatest Crisis Our Parks Have Ever Faced

Let’s be blunt—America’s national parks face an existential crisis. Not even World War I, the Great Depression, or World War II posed such a direct threat to their survival. During those dark times, we rallied to protect these lands, recognizing them as part of our national identity. With the stroke of a pen, Trump is unraveling over a century of conservation progress.

This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a fundamental assault on the very idea of public lands. National parks belong to all Americans, not just those with the deepest pockets or the best political connections.

What We Can Do

The good news? These parks have survived threats before—and they can again. But only if we step up.

• Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.
• Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.
• Make your voice heard part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.
• Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.
• Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.
• Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

The fight for our national parks isn’t over. But if we don’t act now, we may soon find ourselves mourning their loss.

Are we really willing to let that happen?

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Trump 2.0: What Could Another Trump Administration Mean for America’s National Parks?

As the prospect of a second Trump administration looms on the horizon, questions arise about the potential impact on America’s beloved National Parks. While these iconic spaces are often seen as untouchable sanctuaries of natural beauty and wildlife, history has shown that federal policies and leadership can profoundly influence their management, conservation, and accessibility. Here’s a closer look at what Trump 2.0 might mean for the National Park System.

A Legacy of Cuts and Controversy

During his first term, Donald Trump’s administration pursued policies many conservationists viewed as detrimental to public lands. Trump proposed slashing budgets for the Department of the Interior (DOI), the agency responsible for overseeing the National Park System. These cuts threatened critical programs ranging from maintenance and infrastructure to resource conservation and visitor services. Simultaneously, the administration’s decision to relocate key federal land management offices to Western states led to significant staff turnover and a loss of institutional knowledge, further undermining the ability to effectively manage these lands.

The Antiquities Act: A Tool for Reduction

Perhaps the most controversial action affecting public lands during Trump’s first term was his unprecedented use of the Antiquities Act to reduce the size of national monuments. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah saw their protections drastically scaled back, opening millions of acres to potential mining, drilling, and other extractive industries. Such actions sent shockwaves through the conservation community and raised concerns about the future integrity of other federally protected lands.

Leadership Matters: The Doug Burgum Factor

Trump’s choice of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to head the Department of the Interior signals a continuation of policies favoring energy development over conservation. Burgum’s deep ties to the oil and gas industry raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of fossil fuel extraction over the stewardship of public lands. With Burgum at the helm, the DOI could pursue an agenda that prioritizes short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability.

Climate Change Skepticism

The Trump administration’s record on climate change is well-documented, with policies often dismissing or outright denying the scientific consensus. This skepticism has far-reaching implications for the National Park System, where climate change already has visible effects—from shrinking glaciers in Glacier National Park to rising sea levels threatening coastal parks like Everglades National Park. Without robust federal leadership acknowledging and addressing these challenges, parks could face unprecedented threats to their ecosystems and infrastructure.

Implications for Public Access and New Parks

Trump’s policies also risk limiting public access to parks. Budget cuts and reduced staffing could mean fewer resources for maintaining trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds, potentially diminishing the visitor experience. These cuts and the likely reduction in service may embolden some to take advantage of the self-inflicted crisis to assert false ownership of parks and forests and that they should be returned to the states. Moreover, establishing new parks, which require political will and financial investment, seems unlikely under an administration focused on reducing federal oversight and promoting resource extraction.

A Call to Action

America’s National Parks are often referred to as “America’s best idea,” embodying a commitment to preserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The potential impact of a second Trump administration on these treasures underscores the importance of vigilance and advocacy. Public lands belong to everyone, and their future depends on collective action to ensure they remain protected, accessible, and resilient in the face of mounting challenges.

As the nation watches the evolving political landscape, it’s crucial to consider the stakes for our National Parks and the values they represent. Their preservation is not just about protecting landscapes and wildlife; it’s about safeguarding the legacy of a shared American heritage.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

President Biden's Bold Move to Protect Alaska's Pristine Wilderness

Gates of the Arctic ~ NPS

In a powerful demonstration of commitment to environmental preservation, President Joe
Biden has recently taken a significant step to safeguard one of Alaska's last pristine wilderness areas. On October 13, 2023, the Washington Post reported that the Biden administration issued a finding that the Amber Road Project could threaten Alaska Native communities and their lifestyle more than previously estimated. 

The Ambler Road Project

The Ambler Road Project, proposed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), aimed to construct a 211-mile industrial road across the Brooks Range, a rugged and ecologically sensitive region in northwestern Alaska. The road would have provided access to the Ambler Mining District, unlocking vast mineral resources, but also posed a severe threat to native communities and Alaska's environment and wildlife, including the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

Environmental Concerns

Critics of the project argued that the construction of the road would have had far-reaching, detrimental impacts on the environment. These concerns included:

Habitat Disruption: The road would have cut through critical wildlife habitat, including caribou migration routes, endangering local wildlife populations.

Water Pollution: Increased industrial activity and the road could lead to water pollution, putting pristine rivers and streams at risk.

Climate Change: The construction would have exacerbated climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and affecting the delicate Arctic ecosystem.

Cultural Impacts: The Ambler region is home to indigenous communities who rely on the land and its resources. The road would have disrupted their traditional way of life.

President Biden's Decision

Recognizing the profound environmental and cultural impacts of the Ambler Road Project, the Biden administration threw out the Trump administration's project analysis as significantly deficient and ordered a new analysis. The new analysis found significant threats to the ecosystem, wildlife, and native cultures. 

A final decision on the road is still to be released, but the new findings align with Biden's broader efforts to combat climate change and protect our nation's natural treasures.

How You Can Thank President Biden

Expressing gratitude for this environmentally conscious decision is a powerful way to show your support for the protection of wilderness areas and sustainable environmental practices. Here are a few ways you can thank President Biden for his role in halting the Ambler Road Project:

Write a Letter: Compose a heartfelt letter to the President expressing your appreciation for his decision to halt the Ambler Road Project. You can send it to the White House at the following address:

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

comments@whitehouse.gov

Social Media: Use your social media platforms to share your thanks. Consider tagging President Biden's official social media accounts, such as @POTUS on Twitter or @POTUS on Instagram, and use relevant hashtags to amplify your message.

Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your congressional representatives and tell them how much you appreciate President Biden's environmental stewardship. Encourage them to continue supporting policies that protect the environment.

Conclusion

President Biden's decision to reanalyze the Ambler Road Project is a significant step toward protecting Alaska's fragile environment and native cultures. It demonstrates his commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations. By expressing your gratitude for this decision, you acknowledge the importance of protecting our pristine wilderness areas and encourage leaders to prioritize the environment in their policy decisions. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time. Thank you, President Biden, for taking this important action.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code.