08/25/2026
Happy Birthday NPS!
Although Theodore Roosevelt did not establish the National Park Service (NPS), the Antiquities Act of 1906 allowed the executive office to declare national monuments on federal lands. During his presidency TR dedicated 18 national monuments, almost all of which are now managed by NPS. (wow!)
By 1916 American interest in protecting history, culture, recreation, and the environment had boomed, leading to the establishment of the National Park Service on August 25th, 1916. On this day we celebrate 110 years of the National Park Service, with over 400 sites in all 50 states and 5 US territories and beyond that strive to maintain its original goal, "....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."
Do you have a favorite National Park? Let us know!
Alt Text: A straw ranger hat with a leather band around it. The hat and background of the photo are covered in glittery confetti.