National Park Service Centennial
August 25, 2016
#FindYourPark
Photo credit @PDPhoto
August 25, 2016 marks the U.S. National Park Service Centennial. The National Park System manages 407 national parks and continuously promotes good stewardship for the wild spaces we have come to love. These parks have been set aside for future generations to enjoy and we as Americans are stake holders in the continued efforts to preserve and protect them. Here is my tribute to Yosemite National Park and to two of the men who were dedicated to her preservation. #FindYourPark and National Park Service
A Wild Idea
Dear John,
No words can convey the hidden spirit of the wilderness and I confess that your vivid prose had not prepared me for the beauty of this wild place, a natural cathedral far grander than anything built by the hand of man*. I stood at the base of a 3000 year old sequoia and in its presence I could not envision a more commendable legacy than to preserve these giants.
As you say, the air is delicious here* and I have tasted deeply. Each exhalation brings me deeper peace, a commodity in short supply on Capital Hill. Today I was blessed with a symphony of nature’s songs. It seems an echo of your fierce loyalty lingers here.
You and I are not at odds over our natural resources and I embrace your vision for preservation. It is indeed a wild idea. We will walk softly for I fear men with less vision will seek to derail our plans. Our nation has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources but they do not belong to any one generation. I will expand the protection of our national parks and Yosemite will remain an unspoiled crown jewel.
Kindness regards,
Teddy
*I have used bits and pieces of phrases and quotes attributed to these great leaders within my fictional postcard.
The photos of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt can be found at http://www.nps.com and may be copyright protected.
John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt met to explore Yosemite in 1903 and both men worked together to extend the borders and protections of this wild place.
Tracey Delaplain, MD 
Wonderful tribute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I know you care about wild spaces.
LikeLike
I do I do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sandra
LikeLike
Wonderful story, congrats on the win.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again.
LikeLike
Once again, how exciting! On our road trip back from Denver in August, my husband and I listened to an NPR article about John Muir. The passages from his diary were read by a Scotsman. The accent really made his words come alive. Congrats, Alicia
LikeLike
Outstanding piece, Doc. I really enjoyed watching Ken Burns’ documentary on our National Parks. What a treasure they are. Thank God for men like John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
President Obama has done an excellent job of setting aside public lands for preservation also, although it remains controversial among ranchers and miners in Nevada and in other states.
LikeLike
Those trees are indeed a treasure and it’s humbling to start next to those gaints that have stood patiently over generations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Yosemite. I did some conservation work, mostly trail maintence, there when I was 16-17. I hiked many miles there and it is truly a national treasure.
LikeLike
Well deserved winning story, Tracey! Where would we be if it wasn’t for these two men? I know it’s still a constant challenge to preserve our parks and they are always in jeopardy. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where indeed. Politicians appear so short sided these days. President Obama seems to have vision.
LikeLiked by 1 person