National Park Service

Definition

The National Park Service is an agency of the United States federal government that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties. It was created on August 25, 1916.

Analogy

Imagine the National Park Service as a group of museum curators. But instead of preserving art or artifacts in a building, they're preserving natural landscapes and historic sites across the country.

Related terms

Yellowstone National Park: Established in 1872, it's America's first national park known for its wildlife and geothermal features.

Antiquities Act (1906): This law gives the President of the United States authority to create national monuments from public lands to protect significant natural, cultural or scientific features.

Department of Interior (DOI): A department of U.S. government responsible for management and conservation most federal land and natural resources.