People often ask me to name one effective government program. I could name dozens. After this week I could tell
you absolutely what one of my favorites is: National Parks! I think this is one of the best ideas we the people of
United States ever had.
Our family spent last week in Acadia National Park. To say it is beautiful is a massive understatement. Pine tree
shore lines, mountainous hikes, sandy beaches, miles and miles of carriage trails (no cars--just walking, biking or
equestrian), oceanside views, gorgeous cliffs jutting into the Atlantic Ocean and large freshwater lakes; it is an
amazing place!
I'm so grateful it is available for everyone to visit. It made me reflect on all the years we have been visiting National
Parks. We have visited National Parks from one side of the country to another. And yes, we have done the Junior
Ranger program in many of them :) Not only are the National Parks beautiful, they offer a sense of history. I love
how the park rangers are so passionate about what they do. My children and I have been inspired talking to
archaeologists at Jamestown, naturalists in Yellowstone, historians in Boston, and dedicated volunteers and
Rangers across the country.
What if Wilson and Roosevelt and others hadn't had the insight and vision to preserve these places as national
treasures? Think if the parks were exploited for commercial gain. Who would want to see Old Faithful "Brought to
you by Taco Bell!"? Beautiful views of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon "Made possible by your friends at
Verizon!" As if the places would even exist! More likely they would've been purchased by oligarchs who developed
private residences thus denying public access to our greatest spaces. There is no question that the Rockefeller's
and others helped make possible preserving some of these places.The fact that they are controlled by the federal
government and held in public trust is a blessing for all of us.
Next year is the one hundredth anniversary of the National Park system. Our family is planning a trip to Yosemite.
What National Park will you go see?
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