September 21, 2009: John Adornato, III–Our National Parks
Our National Parks: by John Adornato, III
John at the Great Salt Lake, Utah
I still remember that first day I drove into Everglades National Park. It was a clear October day. The purple-tufted grasses were swaying in the wind. In the distance, the pine trees towered over the savanna of grasses. Further along, the cypress tree domes gave way to mangrove trees that parted for a glimpse of Florida Bay. Yes, we saw dolphins jumping in the bay when we woke the next morning.
In the next few weeks, Americans around the country will be digging out family photo albums and dusting off memories. After watching Ken Burns’s new documentary on PBS next week, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” so many of us will yearn to relive trips with loved ones to the Everglades and other national parks?
But this time, instead of simply reminding us of the national parks we love, those memories should inspire us to do our part to protect these national treasures for our children and grandchildren.
That’s why I work for the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association.
I want to do my part to make sure that Florida’s plants and wildlife are not threatened by invasive species such as the Burmese pythons now strangling the Everglades; that young adults can take advantage of the proposed Public Lands Service Corps to enjoy life-changing experiences and gain career opportunities while improving our national parks; and that the wildlife that call these important places home won’t be threatened by development on park boundaries.
This is our chance to renew our promise to America, to ourselves, and to the generations that come after us. Visit www.npca.org to contact your members of Congress and ask for their continued support for adequate funding and protections for our national parks. Volunteer to clear a trail or remove invasive plants during National Public Lands Day on September 26. Or simply pack your camera for a visit to one of our treasured national parks, and make your own memories—suitable for sharing and inspiring others.
Together, we can protect America’s Best Idea for our children and grandchildren.
Visit the NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION VIEWERS GUIDE for the Ken Burn’s 6-Part Series, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. Get your sneak peek into each presentation.
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