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Get ready to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of our country during Discover National Parks Fortnight, which takes place from April 4 to April 19! This two-week celebration was created by the National Parks Foundation in honor of the first National Park Week in 1991. It's a time for us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our national parks and all they have to offer – from breathtaking landscapes to important historical sites. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to discover something new and amazing right here in our own backyard!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1872</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Yellowstone</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yellowstone became the first National Park in the United States and in the world, setting a precedent for land conservation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1916</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of National Park Service</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Park Service (NPS) was created to manage and protect the growing number of national parks and monuments.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Smoky Mountains park</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, which today is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation of Everglades Restoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Everglades National Park began a long-term restoration project which exemplified how damaged ecosystems within national parks can be restored.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Park Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Parks Foundation held the first National Park Week, which later evolved into the two weeks of celebration known as Discover National Parks Fortnight.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Park Visitors</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to increased public interest and education, national parks saw a surge in visitor numbers, emphasizing the important role of these sites in public recreation and education.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a hike in a national park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate National Parks Fortnight than by exploring one of the many beautiful trails in a national park? Grab your hiking boots and hit the trails for some fresh air and stunning views.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a lesser-known national park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>While popular national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite are always worth a visit, why not use National Parks Fortnight as an opportunity to explore a lesser-known park? You may discover a hidden gem and have a more unique experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a ranger-led program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many national parks offer ranger-led programs that are both educational and entertaining. Check the schedule for your local park and attend a program on topics like wildlife, history, or conservation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go camping in a national park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the great outdoors by camping in a national park. Pitch a tent, build a campfire, and spend some time disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a national park</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back to the parks that give us so much by volunteering during National Parks Fortnight. Help with trail maintenance, clean up litter, or assist with educational programs.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes appreciation for nature and conservation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Discover National Parks Fortnight encourages people to explore and discover the beauty of national parks, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. This in turn can lead to a desire to protect and preserve these special places for future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides opportunities for adventure and recreation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National parks offer a wide range of activities, from hiking and camping to bird watching and stargazing. By promoting Discover National Parks Fortnight, more people can experience these recreational opportunities and potentially develop new hobbies or interests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports local economies</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National parks often bring significant economic benefits to nearby communities, through tourism and job creation. Celebrating this event can help raise awareness of the importance of national parks as both natural treasures and economic resources.</p></div></div>
Discover National Parks Fortnight is celebrated on April 4 every year. In 2024, it will be on a Thursday.
2023
Apr 4
Tuesday
2024
Apr 4
Thursday
2025
Apr 4
Friday
2026
Apr 4
Saturday
2027
Apr 4
Sunday
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