My name is Mandy, and at 46 years old, I've finally decided to fulfill my lifelong dream of exploring America's amazing national parks while helping wildlife conservation efforts along the way. Since I was a little girl growing up in rural Oregon, I've had a deep love and respect for the natural world. Spending my free time hiking through forests, paddling down rivers, and camping under the stars only strengthened my connection to nature over the years. Now as an environmental educator, I get to share my passion for the outdoors with others every day. Whether I'm leading grade school field trips through local nature preserves or giving presentations to civic groups about the importance of habitat preservation, seeing the lightbulb moment in people's eyes when they really start to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the ecosystems all around us is incredibly rewarding. My hope is that fostering environmental stewardship in even a few individuals can help protect our wild places for future generations to enjoy. While I'm proud of the work I do in my corner of the world, I've always longed to experience more of this breathtaking country we live in. National parks have long captivated me with their untamed wilderness areas, awesome geological features, and opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitats. This year, I've decided to finally make exploring America's national parks a reality. My plan is to embark on a multi-month road trip spanning over 14,000 miles across all 50 states. I'll be visiting each of our country's 63 national parks along the way, spreading the word about the importance of habitat protection through social media posts, public presentations, and one-on-one conversations with anyone willing to listen. All funds raised through my campaign will go directly to local conservation nonprofits working to safeguard threatened species within the parks. For a 46-year-old woman traveling solo, it will definitely be an adventure. But knowing that I'll get to experience the majestic beauty of places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon while also educating others about the threats facing wildlife makes any challenges well worth it. I hope sharing my travels online will both raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire others to get outside, explore nature in their own backyards, and consider how they can support conservation efforts, too. Any donation, no matter how small, will help me complete this journey while also protecting habitats for future generations to enjoy. With your help, I know this trip will be unforgettable and make a real difference for wildlife. I can't wait to get out on the open road!