Discovering America’s Public Lands, City by City

With more than 80 percent of families living in urban areas, finding safe, open spaces to enjoy time outdoors can be a challenge for many Americans. Children, especially, are spending less time playing outside than ever before. But when children get the chance to explore the outdoors and experience nature in America’s unparalleled public lands and waters, they can learn an appreciation that will last a lifetime. It’s our responsibility to give them that chance. That’s why last month President Obama issued a call to action to get all children to visit and enjoy America’s great outdoors. And today, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell launched the 50 Cities Initiative to engage the next generation of outdoor stewards. The initiative, which supports the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) goal of 1 million volunteers on public lands each year, will increase awareness, support, and participation in outdoor programs in 50 U.S. cities. So far, DOI has announced 11 cities, which were recognized for their impressive existing engagement efforts and extraordinary potential. Additional cities will be announced over the next two years -- with 25 total selected in 2015, and another 25 in 2016...more