Did you know that Sept. 26 is National Public Lands Day and entrance to all 391 national parks is free? Visit your nearest national park this Saturday for a day of service, celebration, and a sneak peek of the new film by Ken Burns.

Monument at Jamestown, VA … site of the original settlement. There is a VERY interesting on-site museum operated by the NPS and an ongoing archeological dig.

Statue of John Smith faces the river.

Don’t forget … this Sunday (9/27) evening the first episode of the new documentary series by Ken Burns National Parks, America’s Best Idea airs on PBS. It should be an amazing tour of some of our continents most beautiful natural areas. This will be a great introduction to some of the “more difficult to reach” national parks. This is a wonderful way to learn geography. Mr. Burns documentary on Lewis and Clark is another geography & history resource.

If you’re in South Carolina … the nearest parks within a day’s drive would include: The Congaree National Forest and Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, Trail of Tears, Wright Brothers, Cowpens National Battlefield, Kings Mountain, and Fort Sumpter. If you don’t know already, Fort Sumpter played an interesting role in our nation’s history and is located in Charleston, SC. Who doesn’t like a trip to Charleston in the fall? Enjoy!!