How much do you know about our National Parks? Did you know that there are 398 of them? Did you know that Yellowstone was our first? Yellowstone was created by an act of Congress in 1872 as a “pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people in order to protect for all time this outstanding natural area.” As Congress created more parks, the need for an agency to administer the park system became clear, and thus the National Park Service was created in 1916. The National Park System Organic Act, which created the Park Service, also set the purpose of the park system – “The fundamental purpose of the parks is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the 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.” Beautiful, don’t you think? The National Parks Conservation Association has a fantastic website, and many helpful links to assist you in exploring our National Parks, state by state. Here’s another tidbit for you… 265 of our 398 parks are ALWAYS free! The remainder do charge a fee, but you can purchase an annual “America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” to get in to EVERY National Park, national wildlife refuge, national forest, and many other Federal lands, totaling more than 2,000 in all, for only $80! If you’re planning a cross-country trip, it is definitely worth it. Also, it’s important to note that this pass is completely free for active military members and their families. Many parks offer free entry on certain days of the year. If you are interested in learning which parks are offering free entry dates for 2013, you can check out the National Park Service website. Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to come out of hibernation. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy these pleasuring grounds and outstanding natural areas that have been so carefully and thoughtfully preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
photo credit:vanabode.com
