On August 25, we celebrate National Park Service Founders Day, a day dedicated to honoring the visionaries who established and nurtured America’s incredible network of national parks, monuments, and historic sites. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, which created the National Park Service (NPS) as we know it today.
The Birth of the National Park Service
The idea of preserving America’s natural wonders and historically significant sites for public enjoyment and education had been brewing for decades before the establishment of the NPS. The first national park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872, followed by several others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, these parks were managed by various federal departments without a unified vision or leadership.
The Organic Act of 1916 changed that by creating a new federal bureau within the Department of the Interior, dedicated solely to managing and protecting the nation’s parks and monuments. The Act also outlined the mission of the NPS: “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.”
The Growth and Impact of the National Park Service
Over the past century, the National Park Service has grown from managing a handful of parks and monuments to overseeing more than 400 units spanning 84 million acres across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. These include not only the iconic national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, but also national monuments, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, and more.
The impact of the NPS goes far beyond preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage. The parks and sites managed by the NPS provide countless recreational opportunities, support local economies through tourism, and serve as living laboratories for scientific research. They also play a crucial role in educating the public about the environment, history, and the importance of conservation.
Celebrating National Park Service Founders Day
There are many ways to celebrate National Park Service Founders Day and show appreciation for the incredible work of the NPS:
- Visit a national park, monument, or historic site near you and explore the wonders they have to offer.
- Learn about the history of the National Park Service and the visionary leaders who shaped its mission and growth.
- Support the National Park Service by volunteering at a park or site, joining a park conservation organization, or making a donation.
- Share your love for the national parks on social media using the hashtag #NPSFoundersDay and encourage others to appreciate and support these national treasures.
A Legacy of Conservation and Inspiration
As we celebrate National Park Service Founders Day, let us remember the vision and dedication of those who laid the foundation for this incredible system of protected lands and historic sites. Their legacy lives on in every park visitor inspired by the beauty of nature, every child who learns about our nation’s history, and every species that thrives in the protected habitats of our national parks.
The National Park Service reminds us that America’s natural and cultural heritage belongs to all of us, and it is our shared responsibility to preserve and cherish these treasures for generations to come. On this day and every day, let us celebrate and support the work of the National Park Service in ensuring that America’s best idea – our national parks – endures for centuries to come.