The Compass: U.S. National Parks

Since its founding on August 25, 1916, the U.S. National Park Service hosts millions of visitors each year across 62 national parks, sustains countless species, and safeguards some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  

 

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Your navigation into the weekend U.S. National Parks

Since its founding on August 25, 1916, the U.S. National Park Service hosts millions of visitors each year across 62 national parks, sustains countless species, and safeguards some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. The parks preserve natural and cultural resources “for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” In this special edition, we discover the 10 most popular national parks, learn how people of color transformed U.S. national parks, and discuss how to visit national parks as lockdowns lift. Let’s explore U.S. national parks.

PHOTOGRAPH BY J.WEI, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX National parks are being overrun by invasive species Causing more habitat damage than natural disasters, these creatures put native wildlife at risk. Here’s how you can help stop them. READ MORE SHARE

PHOTOGRAPH BY NICKOLAY KHOROSHKOV, ALAMY These are the 10 most popular national parks 318 million people visited U.S. parks in 2018. Which were the most popular? READ MORE PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFFREY DAVIS, GETTY IMAGES White Sands is the newest national park. These places might be next. New Mexico’s picturesque preserve won a campaign for federal protection, and others aren’t far behind. READ MORE

PHOTOGRAPH BY WOLFGANG KAEHLER, LIGHTROCKET/GETTY IMAGES U.S. national parks could be privatized. Here’s what would change. The National Park Service shoulders a $12 billion deficit; some argue private companies should step in. Could COVID-19 affect the debate? READ MORE SHARE

PHOTOGRAPH BY YVA MOMATIUK AND JOHN EASCOTT, MINDEN PICTURES, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Wolves are making a comeback. Here’s where to see them. Grab your binoculars and track thriving populations in Yellowstone, Denali, and beyond. READ MORE PHOTOGRAPH BY JONATHAN BLAIR, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Bear safety rules are easy to learn. So why don’t people follow them? These vintage photos show that wildlife–human encounters have been an ongoing problem in national parks. READ MORE

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK These people of color transformed U.S. national parks From Yosemite to Biscayne Bay, these hidden figures helped save natural wonders and historic places. READ MORE SHARE RELATED: HERE'S HOW NATIONAL PARKS ARE WORKING TO FIGHT RACISM +

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ, GETTY IMAGES Go wild at the 10 least-visited U.S. national parks Find natural harmony on the U.S. National Park Service birthday by visiting these under-the-radar parks. READ MORE SHARE

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTIAN HEEB, LAIF/REDUX Explore the 10 best beaches in U.S. national parks Far from the tourist traps of popular oceanfront destinations, these are some of America's best beaches—wild, beautiful, and accessible. READ MORE PHOTOGRAPH BY JACQUELINE KEHOE Hike through 500 million years in U.S. national parks Fantastic landforms are on display in these five geologically remarkable parks. READ MORE

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARIO TAMA, GETTY IMAGES How to visit national parks as lockdowns lift From figuring out which parks are open to the best practices once you’re there, take a look at these tips for traveling responsibly. READ MORE SHARE

PHOTO FEATURE 61 beautiful photos of U.S. national parks READ MORE

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