I first started working in the parks when I was 15. An organization called the Youth Conservation Corps hired me for the summer, and there I learned how to build trails and fences and take care of natural resources. This picture is of the view of the first night I slept under the stars, at Pine Creek Lake just outside of the park. It was the most difficult hike I’d ever done, but the feeling from achieving that accomplishment was nothing like I’d ever felt before. It sparked something in me as a 15 year old I feel was very special, and from then on I knew I wanted to be involved with the parks for the rest of my life. I am now studying forestry and have an internship with Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park for the summer. My journey continues and will hopefully lead me to many places, but Yellowstone will always be my home and the single most important place in my life.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“they are simply life changing. They give people direction, passion, inspiration, and wonder. Also the fact that generations after generations are able to feel a special connection with a place is amazing.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
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Greetings from Yellowstone National Park
The joy, beauty, serenity and amazement of the natural world, readily accessible, is wonderful. I wanted to have my son who is part of the next generation explore and appreciate the beauty of what our parks have to offer. We protect what we love and appreciate. It feels so harmonious…
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