National Parks- America's Best Idea

I enjoyed watching the Ken Burns 2009 documentary series “The National Parks” America’s Best Idea.” The idea of protecting natural wonders began with Frederick Law Olmsted’s visit to Niagara Falls in 1869 while he was working on the Buffalo Park System. He and his friends were shocked by the landscape. “There were mills and factories everywhere, hovels, fences and patent medicine signs.” The early 19th century Industrial Revolution had taken away the beauty of the falls with buildings going up to harness the power of the falls. It was a husker's paradise. The falls had become commercialized. Olmstead and his traveling companions were so appalled they shared their concerns. Environmentalists were made aware of the commercialization and the lessening flow of the Niagara and took action. The Falls finally got protection when Grover Cleveland became governor of NY and established Niagara Falls as a State Park. Olmsted and Vaux landscaped around the falls on the US side to enhance the natural beauty of the falls.

The first National Park was Yellowstone National Park. The goal was to protect its natural beauty and discourage commercialization. Yellowstone couldn’t be protected as a State Park since the park falls within three states. The land was being exploited and being overdeveloped as well as animals were being overhunted. Ulysses Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law, creating the first National Park. Because of this we can enjoy the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, a varied and fascinating landscape. It is one of my favorite National Parks.

As I travel around the country, I always try to take the time to visit National and State Parks. While visiting these Parks I’m always reminded of the lyrics of the Woody Guthrie Song – “This Land is your Land”

This land is your land, and this land is my land From California to the New York Island

From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me

As I went walking that ribbon of highway I saw above me that endless skyway

Saw below me that golden valley

This land was made for you and me

I roamed and rambled, and I've followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts

All around me a voice was sounding This land was made for you and me

When the sun come shining, then I was strolling

And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting

This land was made for you and me

National Parks are our lands. In my recent travels to Yosemite National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Mt. Rainer National Park, and Multnomah Falls National Scenic Area, I saw magnificent rock formations, waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife and varying weather. I live only 7 miles from the newest National Park, The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. I'm so glad these areas are protected so that I can enjoy their natural beauty. I encourage members to take advantage and visit their State and our National Parks. They truly are “America’s Best Idea.”