The National Park Service is turning 100 and spending the entire year celebrating! National parks are such an important part of American life and have been for so many generations. It’s hard to believe that, at one time, establishing a National Park Service was a crazy idea to most. In the mid-1800’s, a small group had a vision to ensure America’s greatest natural treasures would be preserved for future generations. Then, the idea seemed far-fetched, as no place quite like a national park existed anywhere in the world.
John Muir’s widely-published and eloquent writings stressed the importance of nature and later became part of the catalyst for the creation of several national parks. Established by an Act signed by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the nation’s first national park. A number of parks and cultural sites followed; however, as the number of parks increased, there was no central organization to manage them, resulting in lack of protection, maintenance, and funding. In the early 20th century, private and commercial interests threatened the future of the parks. At the time, many called for a utilitarian management of the parks to serve ‘the greatest good for the greatest number.’ Luckily, preservation efforts, led by millionaire Stephen Mather, prevailed and the National Park Service was created after President Woodrow Wilson signed the Act into law on August 25, 1016.
Today, the National Park Service’s system includes more than 400 sites, including national parks, monuments, battlefields, beaches, recreation areas, and more. America’s network of national parks is more than just a preservation success story – it is a reminder of how far the country has come and the principles the country was founded on.
While centennial celebrations will commemorate the last 100 years, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation are working closely to kick off a second century of stewardship for America’s national parks and communities across the nation. The two agencies are urging Americans to embrace the opportunity to get out and explore the more than 400 national parks in our own backyard. The “Find Your Park” movement was developed to inspire people to connect with, enjoy, and support America’s national parks. Discover your park and various centennial celebrations at findyourpark.com!
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