TakePart is a leading source of socially relevant news focused on the issues that shape our lives. It is a community of people compelled to take action, and inspire and accelerate social change by connecting content to social action.

Their site recently featured model and actress Brooklyn Decker, who, back from a recent week long adventure in Alaska as a Sierra Club Ambassador, shares a personal blog and photos from her journey through America’s disappearing great outdoors. She writes:

“During the trip, I was able to swim in a freezing Arctic river, explore a remote and unnamed slot canyon with a 50-foot waterfall, and go white-water rafting through the most rugged portions of the Brooks Range. I was even able to see the spectacular Northern Lights…Getting outdoors has always been an important part of my life. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of camping with my family, but this trip was truly an enlightening experience.”

Read more about Brooklyn’s experience on TakePart, and find out what you can do to make a difference.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most vital of our natural resources and the largest wildlife refuge in the country. Whether you have the ability to travel to this northeast corner of Alaska, there’s no question as to whether it should stay protected and unmarred for future generations.– Arianna Schioldager