This year the National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday. The National Park Service was created by Congress through the National Park Service Organic Act in 1916. All 22,000 National Park Service employees are in charge of the conservation of the ecological as well as historical values and aspects of all the national parks, while also keeping the land accessible to the public.
In 1872 Yellowstone National Park became the first national park, signed in by President Grant. Since there was no state government to maintain the land, the federal government took control of the upkeep. The United States now has 59 national parks that are ready to be explored in celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial this year. Here are a few activities to do while you are out on your park adventures:
Take a ‘selfie’
The National Park Website has a link where you can upload a selfie to photoshop in front of any national park iconic scene (i.e. stone Arches, Dry Tortugas lighthouse, etc.). Or you can go to a national park near you, take your own selfie and use #FindYourPark to celebrate the centennial on social media.
Go Camping
While not all parks allow camping, it is still a great activity to do at a state park campground! The National Recreation Reservation System is partnered with the National Park Service and has a state by state website that lists out all the campgrounds you can visit.
Become a VIP
If you're looking to be involved with a nearby park for a while or even just one time with your family, visit volunteer.gov, select your state, and get started with your park service today and become part of the volunteers-in-parksBecome a Citizen of Science
Another great way to get involved in the preservation of our wonderful national parks is directly participating in research. Their Citizen Science website has a bunch of links with opportunities to become more aware of current issues parks face, and the data you collect helps the National Park Service plan ways to help the parks out.
No matter if you go to a local, state, or national park get out there and enjoy what many generations before you have enjoyed. And while you're there, see how you can become involved in the preservation of the parks so generations after you can enjoy them as well.
