National Parks
Are my favorite kind of outdoor places to visit...

What are National Parks?

"National Parks are spacious land . . . areas essentially in their primeval condition and so outstandingly superior in beauty to average examples of their several types as to demand preservation intact and in their entirety for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all the people for all time." The concept of a "national park" is an American innovation that, in part, grew out of the conservation movement that began in the nineteenth century. When Yellowstone was designated a national park in 1872, it became the first such park in the world. -LOC

The national forest is a classification of protected and managed federal lands that are largely forest and woodland areas. They are owned collectively by the American people through the federal government and managed by the United States Forest Service, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Forest Service is also a forestry research organization which provides financial assistance to state and local forestry industry. -Wikepidia

There are a total of 63 National Parks in the United States!

Who created National Parks?

Though Yellowstone became the first National Park in 1872, the National Park Service was not established until 1916 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Conservation did not become a main concern for the United States until President Roosevelt came into office in 1901, where he used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the United States Forest Service (USFS) and establishing 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments by enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act. -NPS

What makes National Parks so special?

National Parks are diverse and preserve beautiful, untouched places. Yellowstone has supervolcanoes and prismatic hot springs, Mammoth Cave has the largest cave system, while Olympic National Park has mountain ranges, rainforests, valleys, and beaches.

Nature within parks offers serene peace year-round for everyone. With government funding, more parks are becoming handicap accessible, allowing wheelchair-bound individuals to experience nature on clear, maintained trails.

Enrichment programs outside of traditional classrooms offer seniors opportunities to remain active and engaged. Outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and classes on art, literature, and history are available. For children, outdoor learning can supplement their education and provide hands-on experience. They can learn about wildlife, geology, geography, astronomy, wilderness survival skills, and fire management, developing a love of learning and appreciation for nature.

National parks offer a chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It's essential to interact with wildlife safely. It's a way to disconnect from modern life and feel more relaxed. Spending time outdoors can help us reduce stress and feel refreshed. Getting fresh air and vitamin D from the sun (with the appropriate sun care applied) can help destress and reinvigorate our lives, inspire us to continue moving forward, and come up with change for the better in the world.

Meeting new people is also a possibility for those social butterflies who like to make friends as they explore the trails and routes within the parks. Letting people along the trail know that bears are up ahead might... or might not prevent you from wanting to see if you would like to get mauled by one.

My Top 3 Favorite National Parks:

Read more information here thanks to More Than Just Parks

Created & Coded by Katie Lunder 🥸