Protecting Special Places
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, and many of them are protected as national parks. A national park is a special place that the government has decided to protect so that everyone—now and in the future—can enjoy it. These parks include mountains, canyons, forests, deserts, lakes, and even active volcanoes.
National parks are important because they protect plants, animals, and entire ecosystems. In parks like Yellowstone, bison, wolves, elk, and bears live in their natural habitat. In Everglades National Park, alligators, birds, and fish depend on wetlands and slow-moving water. By protecting these places, national parks help keep nature in balance and give scientists a chance to study environments that are not heavily changed by human activity.
Geological Wonders
National parks also protect amazing geological features—landforms created over millions of years. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most famous examples. Its deep cliffs and colorful rock layers show how the Colorado River slowly carved through the rock. In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see lava flows and learn how islands are formed. Parks like Arches and Bryce Canyon in Utah are filled with strange and beautiful rock shapes made by wind, water, and time.
Adventure and Recreation
People visit national parks for many reasons, but one of the biggest is adventure. Visitors can hike, camp, kayak, climb, or simply enjoy a scenic drive. Some hikes are short and easy, while others are long and challenging. Watching the sunrise over the mountains in Yosemite or looking up at the stars in Joshua Tree can be experiences that people remember for the rest of their lives.
History and Culture
National parks do not only protect nature; they also protect human history and culture. At Mesa Verde in Colorado, visitors can see ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people more than 700 years ago. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, old houses, barns, and churches show how early settlers lived. These parks help us learn about the people who lived on this land long before we did.
The Role of Visitors
The National Park Service, created in 1916, takes care of these places. Their goal is to protect the parks and also help visitors enjoy them. However, visitors must also do their part. Staying on marked trails, not feeding wildlife, and taking all trash out of the park are simple ways to help. When everyone is careful and respectful, national parks can stay healthy and beautiful for future generations.
Famous U.S. National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) – Famous for geysers, hot springs, and large animals like bison and bears.
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – Known for its enormous canyon carved by the Colorado River.
- Yosemite National Park (California) – Famous for giant sequoia trees, high granite cliffs, and waterfalls.
- Zion National Park (Utah) – Features tall red cliffs and popular hikes such as Angels Landing and the Narrows.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina) – America’s most visited national park, known for misty mountains and historic buildings.
- Glacier National Park (Montana) – Contains glaciers, clear lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Whether you are interested in wildlife, scenery, history, or outdoor adventure, America’s national parks offer something for everyone.
Vocabulary List
- national park — A large natural area protected by the government for people to visit and enjoy.
- habitat — The natural home of a plant or animal.
- ecosystem — All the living things and nonliving things in an area and how they work together.
- geological — Related to rocks, earth, and how land is formed.
- erosion — The process by which wind, water, or ice slowly wears away rock and soil.
- scenic — Having beautiful natural views.
- generation — All the people born and living around the same time; also, a period of about 20–30 years.
Comprehension Questions
- Why are national parks important for plants and animals?
- Give two examples of geological features that national parks protect.
- What kinds of activities can visitors do in national parks?
- How do national parks help us learn about history and culture?
- What are some ways visitors can help protect national parks for future generations?