I would like to wrap up by talking more about the future of National Parks in America.

With the population in America still rapidly increasing, more and more urban areas are sprawling into the countryside.  Land is slowly being taken away; in many places, the boundaries of a park is all that is keeping a piece of land untouched.  Changing budgets in the federal government over the next decade will have a massive effect on how National Parks operate as they continue to fight the battle of preservation.  It’s not only about people, either.  As long distance travel becomes easier and easier in today’s society, the amount of invasive species have skyrocketed.  Whether that means protecting rare giant ferns or the beautiful Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the Park Service tries its hardest to keep the biodiversity as genuine as possible.

In an attempt to stay with the changing times, National Parks are attempting to reinvent themselves by becoming greater assets for learning outside the classroom.  With the wealth of information and undiscovered science that each park holds, the potential to learn more about our world is infinite.  This learning isn’t simply information that will be preached in one ear and out the other; rather, the parks are providing a gateway to allowing scientists young and old to truly contribute to society through research such as cataloging and inventory.  Many new species have been discovered by students working in the parks.  Without the National Park Service’s contribution the preserving the land, that species may have still remained undiscovered.

The Park system vows to be more than just land protection, though.  The ideals that they radiate to the general public carry through into how people will act in day to day life.  Many recycling and sustainability programs have taken off because National Parks implemented and executed them so well.  From my personal visits to Yellowstone, I can safely say that I have never seen a higher concentration of recycling bins in one place.  When the visitors become used to disposing waste in good habits, they will often carry these habits home with them.

The Park Service also believes that they will play a role in promoting outdoor recreation in both youth and adults.  With studies showing that many more people are spending the majority of their time indoors, National Parks provide the perfect way to revitalize the outdoor enthusiast in all of us.  The hope is that bringing more visitors into parks will help promote a healthier America.

As we progress through the 21^st century, National Parks in America look to continue to play a pivotal role in society.  Essentially, the goal is to integrate the parks into education and environmental safety, as well as keeping up with the tourism they have always provided.  All else aside, the Park Service vows that it will continue protecting what many call “the best idea America has ever had.”