One of the greatest treasures we have in the United States of America is the National Park Service. The Park Service is the entity responsible for the management and care of our country’s national parks, many national monuments, and a variety of other historical properties. Created in 1916 by Woodrow Wilson, the National Park Service was mandated by the president “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations”.
We’d have to say the National Park Service is doing a pretty good job upholding their duties. Our national parks are places of such splendor and allure that now American citizen should go without visiting at least one national park in their lifetime there is hardly an American citizen who hasn’t visited at least one national park in their lifetime. In fact, they play such an important role in our country’s history and future that we don’t just get one day in which we honor them, we get to celebrate National Park Week!
The week of April 21-28 this year is National Park Week, and it’s a great time to get out with friends and family and enjoy some of the most beautiful and memorable places found in America. With at least one park in every state, there are many options to choose from when planning your outing to a national park. April 20 is National Junior Ranger Day, where national parks will invite young people to explore, learn about, and protect national parks, as well as be sworn in as Junior Rangers. April 27 is Volunteer Day, so if there’s any national park project you have interest in joining, this would be a great day to lend a hand. And from April 22 to 26, every national park will offer free admission!
So what more incentive do you need to get out and celebrate our national heritage? Although you can do it any time of the year, National Park Week is the perfect way to start your life’s tour of America’s national parks!
With everything you need to celebrate National Park week, we thought you may be interested in learning some more about National Parks: The Difference Between National Monuments and National Parks, Take a Virtual Tour of National Parks!, 5 Threats to U.S. National Parks!
Featured Image from Arthur Poulin/Unsplash
