Letter: Celebrate the US National Park Service’s 110th anniversary

Celebrate the US National Park Service 110th anniversary

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit an active volcano, hike through unworldly hoodoo rock formations, climb rocky ocean cliffs and never see condos or buildings, and all without leaving our country?

Thanks to the National Park Service (NPS), we can do this. America’s national parks are the ultimate geographical buffet.

Over 20,000 people across 63 National Parks spanning 85 million acres help make our parks accessible and enjoyable. Yellowstone was the first National Park in 1872 and in 1916, the NPS became an official federal agency to protect and preserve some of the most amazing places in the U.S.

On Aug. 25, we celebrate the 110th National Park Services Founders Day. The goal was simple and radical at the time: conserve the scenery, wildlife, and historic objects, and leave them as we found them for the enjoyment of future generations.

As we blow out the candles, it’s worth remembering that these spaces aren’t just pretty backdrops for social media feeds. They are living, breathing ecosystems for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrating Founders Day is about enjoying our native wilderness and it’s a yearly reminder to take care of our country and planet. So go out, explore, get some dirt on your boots, and leave it exactly as you found it. Check out U.S. National Parks!

Dana Vickey, Merriam Street