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Honor the founders of the National Park Service on Founders Day - explore a new park, take a hike, and enjoy nature's beauty!
Celebrate National Park Service Founders Day on Aug. 25! This day was created to recognize the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. The NPS is responsible for protecting over 400 parks, monuments, and historic sites across the United States. On this day, we can take time to appreciate all the beauty of these parks and thank those who have worked hard to preserve them for future generations. There are plenty of ways to get out and explore your local parks - from hiking trails to camping, fishing, or simply appreciating nature's wonders. So let’s get outside and enjoy our national parks!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1872</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Park</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yellowstone becomes the first national park in the world, highlighting the need for a designated organization to manage and protect these lands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Forest Reserve</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Forest Reserve Act is passed which led to the creation of the first Forest Reserve, later known as a National Forest, a precursor to the National Park Service.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1916</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Park Service Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Woodrow Wilson establishes the National Park Service on August 25. Its mission is to conserve and protect the natural beauty of the parks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Historic Preservation Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>This Act significantly broadens the National Park Service's role in preserving significant historic sites across America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Monument Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Vast expansions to the National Monuments, most by President Clinton, emphasize the importance of protection of natural and cultural resources in USA.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Centennial Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Park Service celebrates 100 years of preserving and protecting America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of current and future generations.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a National Park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the beauty and wilderness of our National Parks and take a hike or bike ride to soak in nature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Park Ranger Program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Participate in a ranger program or scheduled event at a local National Park. These programs are a great way to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage that is preserved in our National Parks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a Park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer your time to help with habitat restoration, trail maintenance, or special event planning. Volunteering is a great way to give back and help preserve the legacy of the National Park Service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a Photo Walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring your camera and take a photo walk through any of the many beautiful National Parks to capture all of the stunning sights.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your Experience</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share your experiences at National Parks with friends and family, and spread the word about how amazing our parks are - don't forget to hashtag it #NPSFOUNDERSDAY!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the founders of the National Park Service</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Park Service Founders Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the founding of the National Park Service in 1916. It's a time to remember those who worked hard to create our country’s first national parks, so that all Americans can enjoy their beauty and majestic splendor.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the importance of conservation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The creation of the National Park Service was a major step forward in recognizing the importance of preserving our natural environment and conserving its resources. Through establishing these incredible places, we have committed to protecting them, ensuring they remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages people to explore parks</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Park Service Founders Day is also a great opportunity to highlight the tremendous benefits offered by visiting national parks. They can be wonderful educational experiences that allow us to learn about and appreciate nature in its purest form. They are also perfect locations for enjoying activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking - and just getting back in touch with nature!</p></div></div>
National Park Service Founders Day is celebrated on August 25 every year. In 2024 National Park Service Founders Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Aug 25
Friday
2024
Aug 25
Sunday
2025
Aug 25
Monday
2026
Aug 25
Tuesday
2027
Aug 25
Wednesday
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