It is the bureau of often-unnoticed heroes who work endlessly to protect what have been deemed America’s most precious places. This year, the National Park Service (NPS) celebrates its 100th anniversary of caring for over 84 million acres.

Photo by Frederick County Public Libraries

The NPS is one of several land management agencies within the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is responsible for protecting and preserving national parks, monuments, heritage areas, historic places and more.

Its mission statement reads, “The NPS preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.”

But the collection of history it is sworn to safeguard is just one part of the fascinating story of the National Park Service.

Plot twist: national parks existed before the NPS did.

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established and opened in 1872, a full 44 years before the NPS was even created. The land was set aside for “the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” With its opening, Yellowstone forever changed the course of history, and it created a bond shared between people and nature, unlike anyone that had existed before it. More parks soon followed in Yellowstone’s steps and opened across the country, and eventually, the world.

Initially, the Interior Department did not know how to handle the national parks it was creating. They originally opted to send military units into the parks to enforce law and order. Eventually, it was decided that a change was needed.

On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the NPS to take on the task of monitoring and up keeping the parks.

And what a glorious hundred years it has been.

Since its humble beginning, the NPS is now responsible for the preservation of over 412 sites.

Throughout its existence, the NPS has seen its fair share of conflict. The struggles this agency has faced include budget shortfalls, political interference, and relevance.

To appeal to younger generations, the NPS has worked to spread awareness through social media, using campaigns like the hashtag, #FindYourPark in hopes of encouraging younger people to explore NPS sites and share their experiences on the internet.

Photo by the National Park Service

Despite the challenges it has faced, the popularity of the parks and the NPS continues to gradually rise, especially during this centennial year, as parks across the country are holding special celebrations to mark the occasion.

The agency truly is something to celebrate; the NPS inspired so many positive changes in my life.

This bureau is simultaneously the most important and underappreciated I have ever known. They face the overwhelming task of looking after over 84 million acres and sharing the countless stories of these locations. The passion and work they put in every single day protects something that is yours.

Plot twist: the national parks are yours.

Avalanche Peak, Yellowstone National Park
Photo by Karley Nugent

The parks and monuments and buildings and everything the NPS sponsors; they're yours.

The parks are your culture, your history and your land. They are preserved so that you might benefit from what lands and lessons were set aside for you to enjoy. They are revered as sacred spaces that no one shall ever pollute or destroy so that you and the generations that follow you can always have something beautiful.

The legacy of the NPS will live on to preserve the environmental and cultural profiles of the nation. Embrace it; open yourself up to and experience the wonderful plethora of parks the NPS works to keep just for you.

Indulge in the rich history and breathe in all of the unforgettable scenes that belong to you. Above all, take any and every chance to explore everything the National Park Service protects for you, has protected for you for 100 years, and will continue to protect for the next 100 years as well.

Happy birthday, NPS; you make 100 look so good.

Thank you for all of the memories and cultural experiences you have worked to give us.

Happy exploring.

For information about celebrations throughout the parks, go to NPS.gov and click the banner at the top of the page.