May 30, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
A Century of Stewardship: Reflecting on the Legacy of the National Park Service
On May 30, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) celebrated its centennial anniversary with a series of events in Washington, D.C. The centennial celebration, which took place at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, honored the NPS’s 100-year legacy of preserving America’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The event brought together conservationists, park rangers, historians, and environmental advocates to reflect on the achievements of the NPS and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next 100 years.
The anniversary marked a significant moment in the history of the NPS, which has managed over 400 national parks, monuments, and historical sites since its founding in 1916. The centennial celebrations featured special exhibitions, performances, and speeches by high-profile figures in the conservation world, including NPS Director Tanya Stone, former First Lady Laura Bush, and actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Role of National Parks in American Identity and Conservation
The NPS centennial was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of national parks in American identity and the country’s conservation efforts. In her address, NPS Director Tanya Stone highlighted the pivotal role that national parks have played in shaping the nation’s understanding of its natural and cultural heritage. “National parks are not just beautiful landscapes—they are symbols of our nation’s history, values, and commitment to preserving our shared natural treasures,” Stone said.
The NPS’s role in preserving both natural landscapes, like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, and cultural sites, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, was celebrated throughout the event. Stone emphasized that national parks are not only places of recreation but also serve as educational resources, teaching visitors about the environment, history, and the importance of conservation.
The Future of the National Park Service
The centennial celebration also looked ahead to the future of the NPS, particularly in the context of climate change. National parks across the country are facing growing challenges from rising sea levels, wildfires, and shifting ecosystems. To address these challenges, the NPS has committed to increasing its focus on climate change adaptation and sustainability.
At the centennial event, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a new initiative aimed at expanding climate research in national parks and increasing the use of renewable energy across NPS properties. The initiative will focus on developing strategies to protect park resources, improve park infrastructure, and engage local communities in climate resilience efforts.
A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The NPS centennial also included a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. During the celebration, officials highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure that national parks are accessible to all Americans, particularly underserved communities. The NPS’s Every Kid Outdoors program, which offers free entrance to national parks for fourth graders, and the recent expansion of educational programs aimed at engaging underrepresented youth in environmental stewardship, were showcased as key initiatives.
As part of the celebration, a special panel discussion was held on how the NPS can continue to engage diverse communities in preserving and experiencing America’s natural and cultural heritage. Conservation leaders emphasized the importance of making national parks more inclusive and ensuring that future generations feel a sense of ownership and pride in these national treasures.
The Economic Impact of National Parks
National parks have a significant economic impact on the U.S. economy, contributing more than $40 billion annually through tourism, local spending, and job creation. The NPS centennial celebration underscored the growing recognition of the economic value of parks, particularly in terms of tourism. In 2024 alone, more than 300 million people visited national parks, supporting local businesses and creating thousands of jobs in surrounding communities.
The centennial celebration also highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in park infrastructure and preservation. The NPS’s centennial infrastructure plan, which includes major renovations to park facilities, visitor centers, and accessibility improvements, is designed to ensure that national parks remain vital for future generations.
Behind the Scenes: A National Effort in Conservation
The behind-the-scenes planning for the NPS centennial involved collaboration between park rangers, historians, conservationists, and local communities. Many national parks hosted their own centennial events, including educational programs, special exhibits, and conservation efforts, all designed to engage visitors and honor the NPS’s history.
The celebration also marked the launch of the NPS Centennial Fund, which aims to raise private donations to support the preservation and enhancement of national parks across the country. The fund will support initiatives that focus on protecting park resources, increasing public access, and providing educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The Lasting Legacy of the National Park Service
The NPS Centennial Celebration was a powerful reminder of the agency’s critical role in preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage. As the NPS enters its second century, it will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and the evolving needs of visitors. The legacy of the
NPS is not just in the parks it has preserved but also in the millions of people who have been inspired by these places to become environmental stewards, educators, and advocates.
The centennial event set the stage for the next chapter of the NPS’s journey, ensuring that the agency remains a leader in conservation, education, and public engagement for the next 100 years.
