January 2022 Start with an Idea

1-january-trailwide-messages-2022

Yellowstone, our nation’s first national park, was established by Congress in 1872. Now, 150 years later, the national park idea has evolved as has the 105-year-old National Park Service. Today the NPS plays an important role in communities across the country. And with the assistance of the NPS Office of International Affairs, which is celebrating its 60th, the park idea inspires communities around the world. In that spirit, how can your concept of the park idea cultivate new opportunities and inspire new audiences? What ideas do you have to share?

 

Social Media

All our partners are encouraged to use #LewisandClarkTrail hashtags on trail-related social media posts to continue to inspire everyone to find their personal connections to the Lewis and Clark Trail.

This month’s hashtag: #LewisandClarkTrailWe are always looking to increase the quality of the information on the official Trail webpage. If you have trails or other recreational opportunities at your site you would like featured, email a short write up and high quality photo to e-mail us

Featured NPS.gov/lecl Webpages

State by State Guide

Ready-Made Posts

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

Planning a trip on the #LewisandClarkTrail? Let the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail website assist you in planning. nps.gov/lecl

What do you notice about the world around you? During the course of their expedition, Lewis and Clark knew they were nearing the Pacific Ocean through drawing conclusions from their observations. Read all about it: https://www.nps.gov/articles/clark-knew-they-were-near-pacific.htm

One of William Clark’s on the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to plot their path and he was considered a master cartographer. “Every few days, Clark would take the notes from all of his observations and measurements and compare them to Lewis’ notes to draw maps of the river and landmarks to scale. The accuracy of his maps is widely admired …” Keep reading: https://www.nps.gov/articles/william_clark_cartographer.htm

Members of the Corps of Discovery first arrived at the village of Cahokia (in present day Illinois) on December 7, 1803. While encamped at nearby Wood River into May 1804, Lewis and Clark used the Cahokia Courthouse as a headquarters for collecting infor­mation, meeting with territorial leaders, gathering supplies, and corresponding with President Thomas Jefferson. The courthouse greatly facilitated their ability to comprehensively plan the expedition. #LewisandClarkTrail
Read more: https://www.nps.gov/places/old-cahokia-courthouse.htm

Lewis and Clark Events That Happened This Month

(Ready-Made Posts)

On January 5, 1808, William Clark married Julia Hancock More: https://www.nps.gov/articles/william-clark-julia-hancock-wedding-jan-5-1808.htm

On January 18, 1803, from his home in Monticello, President Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Congress asking for $2,500 to finance a trek to the American West- the trek that would become known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. More: Monticello (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

More January Themes and Activities

January 1: New Year's Day / First Day Hikes

New Year's Day is a federal holiday that may have locally celebrated traditions. First Day Hikes is a program offered by state park systems across the country encourage people to start the new year off on the right foot with healthy activities in the outdoors. Many visitors also head to national parks for their first hike of the year.

January 5: National Bird Day

National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5. It is an opportunity for us to feature birds, birding, research, and conservation efforts.
  • Birds & Birding NPS.gov tag(s): birds, birding
  • Social media hashtag(s): #NationalBirdDay

January 17: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. / Day of Service

The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (commonly referred to as "Martin Luther King, Jr. Day") is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. It is commemorated nationally as a Day of Service and many parks traditionally host volunteer projects. It is also traditionally a day when entrance fees are waived at parks.

January 17: Kid Inventors Day / Benjamin Franklin's Birthday

Last updated: January 25, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

601 Riverfront Dr.
Omaha, NE 68102

Phone:

402 661-1804

Contact Us