National Park Service creates ‘living emblem’ in DC

The National Park Service (NPS) celebrates its 100th birthday on August 25. Park employees say this is not only a celebration, but an opportunity to create an awareness about the National Park Service and to teach people about our national treasures. Denali National Park centennial coordinator Lynn McAloon said the event was one of many held throughout the year, to mark the anniversary but also connect with the next generation of park users.

Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Dina Titus both spoke at a press conference in Las Vegas to commemorate the anniversary. Today, the National Park System comprises 413 sites covering some 80 million acres across the country. The bureau, part of the already established Department of the Interior, was given sole responsibility for protecting and maintaining the 35 national parks that existed at the time.

As the Google Doodle illustrates, this country is as versatile as it is beautiful-from babbling brooks to awe-inspiring waterfalls, this country has it all, and it’s all thanks to the National Park Service and its dedication to maintaining the sanctity of these lush and wondrous areas. Quimby’s son said many parks in the service’s system have been criticized upon creation but “when we look to the future, we see huge amounts of success”.

Authorities closed a portion of the popular Beartooth Highway to the park’s northeast entrance Wednesday night because of snow and ice from a summer snowstorm, but the road reopened Thursday morning.

Cape Cod National Seashore, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Everglades National Park, Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Sumter National Monument are among the parks that are offering free admission. They’re among 16 free days scheduled throughout the centennial year.

Ranger Mariah Leeseberg leads a talk on salmon for park visitors.