"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst."—Wallace Stegner, Pulitzer-prize-winning author
THE BEST IDEA WE EVER HAD
"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst."—Wallace Stegner, Pulitzer-prize-winning author
When the National Park Service was signed into existence in 1916, the designation of national parks was seen not only as a means to preserve the land and wildlife, but to create wild spaces for people to connect with nature on its own terms. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt would say, “The fundamental idea behind the parks...is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in the process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us."
The National Park System of the United States consists of 433 individual areas covering over 85 million acres in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. National Parks are vital to both our natural world and our collective well-being. In a land increasingly dominated by the human footprint, these protected lands preserve some of the most stunning and ecologically diverse landscapes on Earth—from vast deserts and towering mountain ranges to dense forests and fragile wetlands. They are home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are rare, threatened, or found nowhere else. And many of which struggle to survive beyond the borders of highly protected areas. By conserving wild spaces, we help maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensure that biodiversity thrives for generations to come.
Beyond their environmental value, National Parks offer a deep connection to history, culture, and identity. They protect sacred Indigenous sites, landmarks of historical significance, and places that tell the story of a nation’s development. Through the study of their lands, water, and wildlife, they allow for learning and new scientific insights that fuel our understanding of the world around us.
Equally important is the role National Parks play in our mental and physical health. They offer spaces of peace and reflection, where people can disconnect from modern life and access the unique moments of nourishment and inspiration that come from spending time in the great outdoors. This is one of many reasons that parks are widely valued and supported by the American people., and visitation to parks hit new record highs last year. Hiking a trail, sitting beside a quiet lake, or simply breathing in the fresh air can be a healing experience. In the words of John Muir, one of the earliest advocates for National Parks, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
JMM has deep and long-standing ties to the National Parks, especially the iconic Yellowstone landscape. This is a place where we have drawn creative inspiration, where leadership and staff have found solace and connection, and it’s a land that has served as a refuge for iconic animals that were nearly lost in the early days of our country—but who found their footing again thanks to the preservation of big, wild landscapes like Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
The parks are undergoing important staffing and funding shifts under the current administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Early numbers suggest the National Park Service as a whole has lost 9% of its staff so far. In February, approximately 1,000 employees were laid off across the Park Service. Thousands of employees with other agencies overseeing the management and protection of public land and wildlife have also lost their jobs. Recently, two federal judges ruled that the government must reinstate fired probationary workers across several agencies. However, it’s currently unclear how parks will be impacted and if or when Park Service staff might be back on the job.
The recent changes, along with growing threats from climate change, pollution, overuse, and development, could have far-reaching implications for the experience of park visitors, as well as the long-term conservation and study of park lands, waters, plants, and wildlife. Many public servants and members of the public are speaking out against the cuts, noting that parks were already under-staffed and under-resourced on important projects. Without protection, the unique environments and species they shelter could disappear.
This is why private funding, like donations from JMM, continues to be so important in ensuring critically valuable park initiatives can operate. Because National Parks are not just scenic places on a map—they are living reminders of what we value. By preserving them, we honor the past, protect the present, and safeguard the future.
