As a naturalist and artist, I have always found immense inspiration in the natural beauty and diversity of our national parks. These protected public lands allow us to experience nature in all its grandeur, from the soaring mountains of Yosemite to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone. Our national parks play a vital role not just in conservation, but in making the glories of the natural world accessible to all.

In the late 19th century, visionaries like John Muir recognized the need to protect tracts of pristine wilderness for future generations. Thanks to their tireless advocacy, the first national parks were established, setting aside places like Yosemite and Yellowstone from development. The National Park Service was founded in 1916, and today oversees over 400 park sites spanning more than 84 million acres. Without national parks, many of these landscapes would have been radically altered by human activity. By designating them parks, we preserve their ecological integrity for the benefit of wildlife and ecosystems. Parks provide sanctuary for countless plant and animal species, many of them threatened or endangered. They are living laboratories that scientists can study to better understand the natural world. National parks allow us to protect the diversity of life on Earth.

Yet national parks are not just about conservation. They are also about giving people access to experience nature’s beauty and be inspired by it firsthand. I will never forget my first trip in Yosemite as a child, gazing at the rugged cliffs, delicate vegetation, and fresh fluffy snow glowing pink in the dusk light. Our parks allow such transformative moments of wonder. They are places where we can all escape the noise and crowds of daily life and connect with the wild. Parks make the glories of nature welcoming and available. Whether it’s an afternoon hike through woods and meadows or a weeklong camping trip far from civilization, our parks let us experience nature on its own terms. They fuel our imagination and creativity.

Our national parks can have a profound impact on visitors that goes beyond recreation or education. These special places speak to something deep within us. As human beings, we are a part of the natural world, though modern life often separates us from it. When surrounded again by mountains, forests, and rivers in a protected landscape, we rediscover our inner wilderness. We slow down, turn off devices, and reconnect with ourselves. Amidst such beauty and grandeur, our problems and stresses suddenly seem to fade away. We gain perspective on what really matters. Park experiences remind us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. We leave restored, with a renewed sense of hope. For me, our national parks are sacred places that nourish the soul and inspire us to live with purpose. They are sanctuaries where we can heal and grow as individuals, and as a society. We absolutely must preserve these lands for the enrichment of our lives.

As a naturalist artist, I strive to capture the essence of our parks through my paintings. My hope is to share their majesty and inspire others to value these special places. Our national parks are national treasures, and their role in conservation and making nature accessible is more important than ever. They remind us of the beauty in the world, and of our connection to the natural realm. If we take care of the parks, they will continue taking care of us, transporting millions of visitors every year from the ordinary to the extraordinary.