Every year, the United States celebrates National Park Week. It is one way to bring more attention to the plight of endangered animals for kids to know and be more conscious about. The US has 394 national parks, and each of these parks sets a section to pay tribute to the men and women behind the parks, and conservation of endangered animals for kids. This year, it was held last April 16 to 24 with the theme of Healthy Parks, Healthy People.
In a speech given by the President of the United States, President Barack Obama, he encourages everyone to visit one of the national parks wherein entrance fees were waived during the National Park Week.
The country has a total of 84 million acres of dedicated land and 17,000 miles of protected trails for the public to enjoy. The maintenance is a collaboration between government agencies, private donors, scientists, environmental groups, and health care providers who make sure the animals and plants are healthy and thriving. The water and food sources are also protected and enhanced.
Aside from taking care of the abundance in natural beauty and resources, the National Park Services is a boon to local tourism and economy. The more visitors travel to visit then parks, the more revenue for shops and local businesses.
Part of the services being done by the National Park Services, aside from making sure National Park Week goes without a hitch is to rehabilitate and revitalize local parks and rivers, as well as nurture new open spaces for recreation and fun activities. They are supported by the federal dollar to make the country’s ecosystem is kept balanced.
If all countries in the world would do a similar program, we probably would have less endangered animals to worry about. Countries would have sustainable clean water sources, the air would not be polluted, and there would be safe places for children and adults to retreat to.
Some of the more popular national parks to visit would be Yellowstone Park or the world-famous Grand Canyon. There are also smaller parks with underground caves and dunes that will fill your heart with pride in the national heritage that is being so carefully cared for by current and past US presidents.
If you like sand dunes, visit the Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or travel to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal which runs along the Potomac River. This river connects Washington DC with Maryland. In Kentucky, the Mammoth Cave National Park has incredible spelunking activities to offer explorers of all ages.
These are just some of the national parks in the country that are worth a visit. There are 390 other choices to make, scattered through the country.