Happy Birthday, National Park Service!
On August 25, 2006, the National Park Service celebrates its 90th birthday. Created in 1916 under the Organic Act, Congress and President Woodrow Wilson charged the Park Service with overseeing 35 public land units to preserve America’s vast diversity for future generations.
Much has changed in 90 years! Now, not only does the National Park Service manage all of America’s 390 park units, its responsibilities have grown into complex fields, such as scientific research, archeology, historic preservation, interpretation and education outreach. Over 84.4 million acres of parkland provides habitats for 369 threatened or endangered species, houses 100 million items in museum collections, contains 1.5 million archaeological sites and protects 27,000 historic structures. Our beloved National Park sites are visited 277 million times a year, employ 20,000 employees, and receive valued assistance from 144,000 volunteers per year.
Can’t think of the just right birthday gift? Donate to the National Park Foundation to ensure America’s greatest collection of natural, cultural and historic sites are taken care of for the next 90 years!
Story courtesy NPS Newsletter
I see the national parks as one of the truly great things about America. I’m concerned I’m writing too many comments, so I won’t be going on to the next page. Would you be open to our doing a link exchange? I look forward to hearing from you.