December 2020: Find Peace on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

December: Find Peace on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Many people find peace in remarkable places. As winter settles in and many of us dream about hibernating, let's explore how parks and trails can be places of healing, inspiration, and peace.

The holidays can be a stressful time for many people. Let’s remind them of the peace that can be found in visiting parks. Some parks become serene winter wonderlands blanketed in snow; others offer vacation getaways or festive fun. Winter can offer a different kind of peace for plants and animals as they adjust to their changing environment.

• Highlight recreational opportunities for people to escape to parks to find peace, whether embracing the cold or running away from it.
• Ask staff and visitors to share their happy place in parks or moments created through NPS programs and partnerships.
• Follow journeys of plants and wildlife, such as hibernating, that make lifestyle changes during the winter season.
• Encourage local businesses to submit nominations to the Lewis and Clark NHT tourism website, www.lewisandclark.travel. The site aggregates user-generated content showcasing things to do and places to visit that have been nominated by residents along the Trail. To get started, go to www.lewisandclark.travel/register.
• Post photos or a gallery of peaceful scenes in parks.
• Share the health benefits, both physical and mental, of spending time in parks.
• Follow staff in the park to show the continuing work, including historic preservation, maintenance, natural resource studies, and more, that happens during the winter.
• Encourage people to check out volunteer and internship opportunities.

Featured NPS.gov/lecl Webpages

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail This is the Lewis and Clark NHT home page. Encourage your audiences to come here for an excellent source of information on the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Looking for something ready-made to share?

Nature Makes You… https://www.nps.gov/articles/naturesbenefits.htm #LewisandClarkTrail

Joy to the Trail: A Look Inside what Holidays were Like on the Lewis and Clark Expedition #LewisandClarkTrail

https://www.nps.gov/lecl/learn/historyculture/holidays.htm

The Lewis and Clark Trail is for everyone. You can experience the Trail from your home, your car, at a visitor center or even from a boat or kayak. #LewisandClarkTrail
Plan your trip: https://www.nps.gov/lecl/planyourvisit/maps.htm

The Lewis and Clark Adventure is closer than you think. Many sites are near major cities.
Find one: https://www.nps.gov/lecl/planyourvisit/maps.htm

The Lewis and Clark Trail provides an incredible experience for
Everyone. Find your trail: https://www.nps.gov/lecl/index.htm

Want to travel the #LewisandClarkTrail? Let the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience website assist you in planning. https://lewisandclark.travel/

Learn about Lewis and Clark without leaving home. Become a Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Junior Ranger by simply completing the online Junior Ranger program. #LewisandClarkTrail
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/lecl/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm

Social Media hashtags: #FindingPeace, #GivingBackToParks, #FindYourPark, #FindYourTrail, #LewisandClarkTrail

Lewis and Clark Events That Happened This Month

(ready made posts to share)
On December 12, 1803, William Clark wrote in his journal:
“…nearly opposite the Missouries I came to in the mouth of a little River called Wood River, about 2 oClock…”
More on Camp River Dubois: https://www.nps.gov/articles/arrival-at-camp-river-dubois.htm
https://www.nps.gov/places/winter-camp-at-wood-river.htm

From December 1803 until the spring of 1804, Lewis and Clark used the Cahokia Courthouse as a headquarters. From there they collected information, met with territorial leaders, gathered supplies and corresponded with President Thomas Jefferson. During that time the Corps of Discovery camped at nearby Camp River Dubois. #LewisandClarkTrail
More on the Cahokia Courthouse: https://www.nps.gov/places/old-cahokia-courthouse.htm

What was Christmas like at Fort Mandan?
Find out: https://www.nps.gov/articles/christmas-eve-at-fort-mandan.htm

On December 28, 1805, five men of the Corps started hiking toward the Pacific coast from Fort Clatsop to set up a salt-making camp. #LewisandClarkTrail
More: https://www.nps.gov/articles/salt-making-camp-begins-december-28-1805.htm