Many Americans do not realize that they are co-owners of some of the most incredible scenery on the planet, our National Parks. Thus, co-owners! On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill to establish the Yellowstone area as our first national park, thus beginning the tradition through history, to preserve a social concept similar areas across this great country.

President Teddy Roosevelt during his presidency, actively in the proliferation of new social concept by establishing the U.S. Forest Service, 5 new national parks, 51 wildlife refuges, 150 national forests and 18 national monuments. To its credit, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, received National Park status November 10, 1978.

America's national parks have always been open to all persons without discrimination epitome of democracy at work and to give everyone an equal participation in the richness and beauty of the earth.

Today the National Park Service, the caretakers of our investment areas tend 391 acres covering more than 84 million in nearly every state. The largest park is Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Arkansas, with more than 13 million hectares and the smallest is the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania, with only 0.02 hectares. The most popular destination is the National Park National Park Glacier in Montana, and the favorite park for wildlife viewing is the Channel Islands in California.

The government support ofa these wonderful treasures of the opinion the American public falls under the Interior Department that provides for the annual budget to the National Park Service. When considering the size and scope parks and the fact that there are over 272,623,980 visitors a year, you can see why adequate funding is paramount.

The Foundation National Park is the charity partner of the U.S. national parks. Works to connect the American people and the parks of private fundraising, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. The National Parks Conservation Association advocates for the parks and National Park Service. The NPCA works on the ground in and around national parks, conducting research and working with staff Service National Parks, community leaders, park advocates, and state and federal legislators to ensure that our parks are well funded, managed and protected. Both non-partisan private non-profit organization that has contributed mightily to the welfare and support of our national parks and welcome new members and donations.

An impressive and inspiring six-part series for PBS, entitled The National Parks: America's Best Idea, a film by Ken Burns, will his debut on 27 September 2009. This production was filmed over a period of more than six years amid falling back of some of the most incredible scenery ever captured on film, and chronicles the legacy of the American people who have committed themselves to the preservation of these lands big park. You might be surprised as to who those people. The series is a reminder today that we also must confront the responsible stewardship of park lands and see it preserved and cared for so that future generations can enjoy them.

To make the revision of the wonderful land that you, as a visit America's own national Parks.Org website and order or download your Owner's Guide 2009 full of detailed maps, information and travel tips and plan to visit its U.S. investment. Or visit the National Park Service website and buying your annual "Parks Pass" for all federal lands for recreation and parks nationals.

It is his property, is his legacy, and it is their responsibility to protect future generations. Come and take ownership and share it with others. You can participate a very active way to make this country a better place for all.

Susi Pittman is a member of the National Parks Conservation Association, a free-lance writer and author, and founder of Catholic Stewards of Creation. She works as an activist with several animal and ecological organizations and lives in Florida with 14 rescued pet family members. To learn more about her upcoming book “Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!” then visit, http://www.catholicstewardsofcreation.com

[] dance at The American Canoe Association(ACA) camp in 2008