Did you know that there are over a dozen national parks in Texas? The nearest park is the Big Thicket National Preserve. The newest one, designated in 2015, is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This year is a great time to visit a national park and celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary!
The National Park Service was created in 1916 by an Act of Congress and signed by President Woodrow Wilson. Beyond the natural areas, the federally designated parks include historical areas, battlefields, rivers and trails and the White House, covering over 400 sites, and 84 million acres. Find parks using this handy map.
The Mission of the National Park Service
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resourcesand values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
The NPS is an agency under the Department of the Interior. As a federal depository library, the Kelley Center includes numerous NPS publications, including annual reports, maps and research reports on topics ranging from Hurricane Katrina to bike trails to NPS facility management. The agency supports preservation, conservation and heritage management with research and community engagement. The NPS hosts a variety of programs and activities to increase awareness of America’s national parks, and the work of the NPS.
As you make travel plans for Spring Break and summer, consider visiting a national park! There is something for everyone! Here is a list of national parks located in Texas. In Fondren, there are two exhibit cases which showcase materials from the Kelley Center about the NPS. They are located on the 1st floor and basement elevator lobbies. Stop by the Kelley Center to check out even more!
Explore, learn, be inspired, and have fun!
Follow the NPS on twitter #NatlParkService #FindYourPark or their website, www.nps.gov