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🌳 Support national parks from home
Tuesday 9/2: Sponsored by Parks Project - Fall season park activities, sunset of the day, and the first National Park City
Tuesday
“Look to the wild when you forget what matters.”
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
Reasons to visit a national park this fall
Sunset of the day in Minnesota
How Chattanooga became a National Park City
True or False?
You should always remove fallen leaves from your yard in the fall.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Reasons to Visit a National Park This Fall
Fall is when the national parks seem to come alive. The summer crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and suddenly there’s space to really see and feel the landscape.
Because of this, it can be a great time to visit, especially if you’re not big on heat, crowds, or booking things months in advance. Cooler temps make hiking easier, and in many parks, it’s much simpler to find a quiet trail or last-minute campsite.
The season also comes with its own highlights. In higher-elevation parks, the trees shift into full fall color by late September. It’s also bird migration season. Between now and late November, parks like Padre Island or Coronado Memorial are along key flyways for species heading south. Fall’s shorter days mean earlier stargazing, too. Some parks even host night sky festivals!
You don’t even have to make a big trip of it. A local hike, a weekend picnic, or just catching golden leaves on a drive can still offer the shift we sometimes need this time of year.
How to Support National Parks
Protect what you love. Support the parks with Parks Project’s new sustainable iPhone case, tee, water bottle, and sticker. Over $2.7M is given back to parks across the country, so you know that when you shop, your purchase is supporting local nature.
More than a statement, Defend The Parks is a movement to turn awe into action. This collection unites us to loudly proclaim our support for the parks by working together and ensuring our voices are heard. Gather friends, wear the Leave It Better™ mission, and join the millions who connect over campfires and have chosen to protect these wild places.
You can save up to 40% off sitewide (ends today)!
Thank you to Parks Projects for sponsoring The Canopy.
Sunset of the Day in Minnesota
Jackie sent in this calm and quiet view from a lake in Minnesota. The horizon glows with just a hint of orange as the last light fades, and the still water mirrors it perfectly. It’s the kind of moment that invites you to just sit still for a while.
Thanks to Jackie for sharing it. If you’ve captured a sunset that made you stop and breathe a little deeper, we’d love to see it too! Send it in for your chance to be featured next week.
Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Jackie.
How Chattanooga Became a National Park City
Chattanooga, Tennessee, was once known for its smoggy air and polluted river. Today, it’s North America’s first national park city (a grassroots title recognizing cities that make nature part of everyday life).
The shift didn’t happen overnight. Years of cleanup efforts, trail building, and waterfront restoration turned old industrial areas into public green spaces. Local groups helped lead the charge, showing what long-term community commitment can do.
The recognition comes from the UK-based National Park City Foundation, which awarded the title after reviewing Chattanooga’s progress. It joins London and Adelaide as the only cities in the world with this distinction.
You won’t find national park rangers patrolling downtown, but that’s the point. Being a national park city isn’t about one big protected space. It’s about everyday access to clean air, water, and wildness, right where people live.
Quick Picks:
From scenic trails to cozy bowls, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:
Final Thoughts:
Support the parks with Parks Project’s new sustainable iPhone case, tee, water bottle, and sticker. Save up to 40% off sitewide (ends today)!
Reflections:
🌎 True or False: False. Leaving some leaves can support pollinators and enrich soil.
🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!