U.S. parks

Jefferson Memorial seen from across Tidal Basin and framed by cherry blossoms (© J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

As a memorial turns 80, it gets a boost

Washington's Tidal Basin/National Mall area is threatened by climate change. Learn about ideas to keep it viable for future generations.
Long row of deteriorated buildings with mountains in background (© Thomas Peipert/AP Images)

Biden’s first national monument teems with history and wildlife

President Biden has designated the Camp Hale–Continental Divide National Monument, which will protect over 21,000 hectares.
Elizabeth Rule smiling (Courtesy of Elizabeth Rule)

Offering a fuller picture of Indigenous Maryland

A new mobile app created by an American University professor helps users learn about the past and present contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Illustration of park ranger surrounded by butterflies and flowers in front of mountains (State Dept./D. Thompson)

National Park Service turns 106

The National Park Service celebrates its 106th birthday August 25. Take some time to reflect on the public lands' jaw-dropping features.
Native American sitting on rim of canyon playing flute (NPS History Collection/Thomas C. Gray)

Native Americans protect heritage, connect visitors to nature at U.S. parks

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is August 9. Get to know Charles Sams III, director of the U.S. National Park Service.
Cyclist on trail near river and forest (© Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

From train tracks to cycling trails

The Rails to Trails program is turning abandoned railroads into bike trails, with the goal of connecting the entire country by 2040.
Statue of Taras Shevchenko next to trees (Library of Congress/Carol M. Highsmith)

Americans honor Ukrainian poet Shevchenko

U.S. cities that honor Taras Shevchenko include Cleveland, Detroit, New York and Washington. Learn how they pay tribute to this poet and why.
Park ranger speaking and gesturing to two tourists (© Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

How public parks honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn about the significance of parks and trails named after Martin Luther King Jr. and how parks, and access to them, shaped his activism.
Betty Reid Soskin in park ranger uniform sitting in front of building (Luther Bailey/NPS)

A century-old park ranger tells America’s story

Many National Park Service rangers tell the story of the United States from firsthand experience. Betty Reid Soskin has a century's worth.