More than 275 million people visit America’s national parks each year, but “years of underfunding, pollution and climate change have taken a toll on our national treasures,” says Theresa Pierno, executive vice president of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).

That’s why four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney has partnered with granola-bar company Nature Valley to raise up to $500,000 for the NPCA. .

“To me, there’s nothing better than being outside, enjoying the parks, the lakes and the oceans—and that’s what makes protecting our national parks so important,” Chesney says. “Teaming up with Nature Valley to raise awareness and funds is a great way to make sure the public realizes how special these parks are.”

You may make a donation to support restoration projects by clicking here. 

In the first year, Nature Valley will contribute to the NPCA through the National Parks Project, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000. Money raised will focus on three preservation projects:

1. Reestablishing plant life critical to the Grand Canyon
2. Restoring habitat for Yellowstone’s wildlife
3. Rebuilding Biscayne National Park’s damaged coral reefs

Pierno says the new partnership “is another step toward ensuring our national parks get the care and support they need for the enjoyment of our children and grandchildren in the years to come.”

You can follow park conservation efforts on Twitter.

For Your Organic Bookshelf: The Natural Parks: America’s Best Idea

Photos courtesy of Kenny Chesney; Jim Peaco/National Park Service

Even with a shaky economy, consider getting away from it all to nurture your organic spirit.

You don’t have to spend a gazillion dollars. How about a weekend away from work and personal responsibilities—a time to relax, laugh and bond with a few friends?

American women took around 32 million trips last year, many of which were girlfriend getaways. According to the American Automobile Association, these trips now represent 4% of all U.S. leisure travel spending ($200 million a year).

And what do deserving women do on these trips?

• Dine out (86%)
• Retail therapy (74%)
• Spa visits (73%)
• Hit the beach or pool (70%)

Planning a successful girlfriend getaway can be tricky, so here are some tips from Carlson Hotels Worldwide:

Talk about money. Everyone involved needs to be honest about how much she can comfortably afford to spend. The point of the trip is to be together; it doesn’t have to involve a swanky resort or exotic locale.

Share the legwork. Each woman should do some research on possible destinations. Find out about activities, accommodations, airfare and other potential costs. Meet at your favorite organic coffeehouse to discuss the details and pick a destination.

Appoint an Organizer. It’s best to have one person in charge of booking, handling the money and communicating with the group. But when it comes to planning itineraries, take turns. By sharing responsibilities for meal and activity planning, no one can dominate the group, and everyone has input.

Step outside your comfort zone. No group trip will thrill everyone 100% of the time. Be willing to go somewhere you’ve never been, try new types of food and participate in an activity you wouldn’t normally do.

Traveling during the holidays can be extremely stressful, so you need to protect your body and give some extra TLC to your organic spirit. If you’re flying home or driving for more than a few hours, it’s particularly vital to protect your back.

“All that sitting in seats that aren’t designed specifically for you can take a toll,” says Dr. Scott Donkin, a chiropractor, ergonomics expert and author of “Sitting on the Job.”

“Even though you’re sitting in a plane, car or bus,” he adds, “there is still activity in your body. There are pressures and forces at work”—all of which can flatten your spine when it should remain curved or tilt your head at an awkward angle.

Dr. Donkin and the American Chiropractic Association encourage holiday travelers to heed the following tips to avoid aches, strains and soreness:

• Stand up straight and feel the normal “S” curve of your spine. Use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain this curve when you take your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline. Lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest. If the seat is hollowed from wear, use folded blankets to raise your buttocks slightly.
• Check bags heavier than 20% of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your bags, stand straight—away from the overhead compartment—so the spine is not rotated during the process. Don’t lift your bags over your head, and don’t turn or twist your head and neck in the process.
• When stowing belongings under your seat, don’t force the object with an awkward motion of your legs, feet or arms. This may cause muscle strain or spasms in the upper thighs and lower back muscles. Instead, sit in your seat and, using both hands, stow your bags in the space directly in front of you.

Tune in tomorrow for more holiday travel tips that fit your organic lifestyle…