National Park Service celebrates 100th birthday

Summary

This video highlights the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, celebrating its role in preserving America's natural wonders. It explores the creation of the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872 and the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The video emphasizes the beauty and diversity of over 400 national sites, including famous parks like the Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. It also addresses challenges, such as a billion-dollar maintenance backlog, while encouraging people to visit these treasures for free during the anniversary weekend.

Takeaways

• 😀 The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend.
• 😀 Thomas Moran's paintings of Yellowstone in 1872 played a major role in the creation of America's first national park.
• 😀 The National Park Service was established in 1916 to protect America's natural wonders from development.
• 😀 The National Park Service currently oversees 413 sites, including 59 national parks covering 84 million acres.
• 😀 Popular national parks include the Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Everglades, with the newest being Katadin Woods and Waters in Maine.
• 😀 Mike Reynolds, deputy director of the National Park Service, highlights the diverse experiences available at national parks, such as science, history, and rock climbing.
• 😀 The C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland, which was saved from being turned into a highway, spans 185 miles and attracts nearly 5 million visitors annually.
• 😀 The Derman family is featured, with 9-year-old Astrid particularly fond of wildlife and nature.
• 😀 There is a significant maintenance backlog, with $1 billion needed to maintain national parks.
• 😀 Congress has increased the National Park Service budget this year, and entrance fees from visitors help support park operations.
• 😀 To celebrate the anniversary, entrance fees will be waived this weekend, allowing everyone to experience the national parks for free.

Q & A

What event is being celebrated in the script?

The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend.

Who helped lead to the creation of the first national park in the U.S.?

Thomas Moran's spectacular paintings of Yellowstone in 1872 helped spark national excitement, leading to the creation of the first national park.

When was the National Park Service created?

The National Park Service was created in 1916, 100 years ago from the time of the script.

How many sites does the National Park Service oversee today?

The National Park Service oversees 413 sites, including 59 major national parks.

What is the newest addition to the National Park Service?

The newest addition is Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine, designated by President Obama.

What types of visitors can enjoy the parks, according to Mike Reynolds?

Mike Reynolds mentions that the parks offer something for everyone: scientists, rock climbers, and history buffs, with sites like Thomas Edison's lab, Yosemite's cliffs, and Civil War battlefields.

What is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and how long is it?

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park runs 185 miles from West Virginia to Washington, D.C., and attracts almost 5 million visitors annually.

What is Astrid's favorite part of visiting national parks?

Astrid loves seeing animals like turtles, salamanders, and egrets, showing her passion for wildlife.

What challenge does the National Park Service face in maintaining the parks?

The National Park Service faces a $1 billion maintenance backlog, which makes it challenging to keep the parks in pristine condition.

How does the National Park Service fund its operations?

The National Park Service receives funding through a combination of increased budgets from Congress and entrance fees, which generate about $300 million from around 300 million visitors a year.

Will there be any charges for park admissions this weekend?

No, there will be no charge for park admission this weekend, allowing all Americans to experience the national parks for free.