Canada’s Parks Day falls on July 16’th this year. First celebrated in 1990, Parks Day is an opportunity for individuals to participate in hundreds of unique and fun events taking place in sites from coast to coast. Events are organized in national parks, national historic sites, provincial parks, and territorial parks, as well as in community and regional parks across country.

Increasingly regulated and restricted, dwindling islands we like to call parks are more precious than we could possibly realize. Although having a special day to honor them is fantastic, there really should be a year-round awareness to maintain and keep them clean and garbage free. When we make an effort to keep trails and waterways clean we see measurable results in a healthier and safer environment for wildlife and humans alike to enjoy. Many communities rely on tourism and a clean pristine park will entice tourists to return and mention it to others.

Parks and trails with trash bins are less likely to have litter lying around grounds. Get in habit of always packing a supply of bags to pick up any stray litter you might find along way. Rather than walking by trash and fretting about it – pick it up and be proactive! It is surprising how good it begins to feel when you make a difference.