Voices from the Urban Support Team- May 2017

Who's Ready for a Daycation?

Exploring the impressive collection of nearby parks, trails and waterways got a lot smarter in 2016 with the beta launch of the Daycation Mobile App. Daycation is a concept that the Urban Refuge Program helped fund and develop with our partners in the Intertwine Alliance. It asks the community, including our Friends groups, to take their favorite things to do outside and turn them into adventures that are shared in the app. It’s equal parts activity finder and social engagement for people to express their love of nature with each other. The Daycation mobile app is now available for your exploring pleasure on the Apple iOS platform. An Android version and companion website are in the works.

The work is far from over (in fact, it’s just beginning), so we ask Friends members to participate in two simple ways:  1) Try out the Daycation app and provide feedback, and 2) Make a Daycation. It’s your chance to highlight what you love about our refuges and communities, and be part of creating a springboard that’s getting people outside in new and exciting ways. Download the app to see some samples like:  a virtual guide to biking along the Columbia River and the downtown waterfront; one-stop shopping to test your nature detective skills at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge; a search for hidden fossils embedded in Portland skyscrapers; and even Tualatin River NWR’s first (but not only with your help) Daycation…connecting ducks and donuts.

To get you started, here’s a little “Daycation 101” video that demonstrates the main features of the app.  Curious? Want to learn more or brainstorm some ideas? Want to provide feedback? Contact Pat Stark at Patrick_stark@fws.gov