One hundred years ago, Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, creating the National Park Service. Built upon the ideals of John Muir, Gifford Pinchot, Theodore Roosevelt, and Stephen Mather, America’s national parks are an exemplar of stewardship and conservation. And today, our National Park Service celebrates its centennial. As we commemorate the immense legacy of our parks, there is much work to be done to protect and preserve America’s natural wonders and the American spirit for future generations.
The National Park Service oversees 84 million acres of land across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several territories. The agency manages 413 units, including 59 national parks and hundreds of other natural landscapes including national monuments, national preserves, and historic sites.