National Park Service Founders Day

National Park Service Founders Day commemorates the establishment of an organization dedicated to preserving America’s natural and cultural treasures. This annual celebration honors the system that protects and maintains our nation’s most spectacular landscapes and historic sites.

Quick Facts

When is it: August 25
Tagged as: Conservation and Historical Celebration
What’s the hashtag: #NPSFoundersDay
When was it founded: 1916
Who founded it: President Woodrow Wilson

History of National Park Service

The National Park Service was created when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act on August 25, 1916. Starting with just 35 national monuments and parks, it has grown to oversee more than 400 areas across all 50 states, including parks, monuments, historic sites, and preserves.

Timeline

1872 – Yellowstone becomes the first national park
1891 – First Forest Reserve established
1916 – National Park Service founded
1966 – National Historic Preservation Act passed
2000 – Major expansion of preservation efforts

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDay
2024August25 (Sunday)
2025August25 (Monday)
2026August25 (Tuesday)

Observed

The day is celebrated through various activities in national parks across the country, including ranger-led tours, educational programs, and special events that highlight conservation efforts and natural heritage.

Fun Facts About NPS

  • The largest park is Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska at 13.2 million acres
  • The smallest site is Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial at 0.02 acres
  • Over 300 million people visit Park Service locations annually
  • The service employs about 20,000 people and has 246,000 volunteers

Quiz

  1. When was the National Park Service founded?
  2. Who was the first National Park Service Director?
  3. How many national parks existed when NPS was created?

(Answers: 1916, Stephen Mather, 35)

FAQs

  1. What was the first national park?
  • Yellowstone (1872)
  1. How many areas does NPS manage?
  • Over 400 areas across the United States

Importance of National Park Service

The National Park Service preserves America’s natural wonders and historical sites for future generations, provides recreational opportunities, and protects wildlife habitats while making these treasures accessible to all Americans.

Related

  • World Environment Day
  • Earth Day
  • National Wildlife Day
  • Conservation Day
  • Public Lands Day