Every summer tens of millions of Americans decide it’s a great idea to tour our national parks en famille. Sleeping in tents under the stars! Roasting marshmallows over the campfire! Hiking into secluded meadows! What could be bad?
The Smiths En Route to the Park
Son: Are we there yet?
Daughter: He put his foot on my side of the car.
Son: She pushed me.
Daughter: That’s because you put your foot on my side of the car.
Mother to husband: I hate the way you drive.
Husband to wife: Fine, you take over.
Mother to husband: You hate the way I drive more.
The Smiths the Next Day
Husband: Ooh, my back is killing me from that stupid cot.
Wife: I told you to bring your back brace.
Daughter: I’m not sharing a tent with HIM another night.
Mother: Where’s the insect repellent? I’m getting eaten alive by giant bugs.
Son: Ouch! I just burned my finger on the marshmallow stick.
Mother: Where’s the first aid kit? Jimmy’s finger looks like a marshmallow.
All kidding aside, it is a great idea to tour America’s national parks, which are justifiably famous around the world for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
Starting with Yellowstone in 1872, which was set aside in perpetuity “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” there are now 63 national park sites in the United States. Their 84 million acres include deep caves, clear waters, majestic glaciers and sun-soaked beaches.
California leads the nation in the number of national parks with nine while Alaska claims the largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias, with more than 8 million acres. Yosemite, Crater Lake, Death Valley, the Grand Tetons and Arches are among the most exquisite and iconic places in our country.
But our national parks mean so much more to the planet than mere photo opportunities. They reduce atmospheric carbon, preserve wildlife habitats, protect clean air and water, and maintain vital ecosystems.
Unfortunately, these precious places are under enormous pressure on a number of fronts from climate change to oil drilling, from new development near their gates, to fires and floods.
Moreover, congressional funding has fallen so short of the parks’ needs that the National Park Service is closing interpretive centers, cutting back on poaching patrols and letting park roads fall into disrepair for lack of money.
Close to home at Joshua Tree National Park, these unique specimens (which are actually yucca plants) are faring so poorly that scientists are seeking protected status for them under the Endangered Species Act. After thriving in the Mojave Desert for 2 million years, the Joshua tree may not last another 200 because of global warming.
Still the visitors keep coming. Since records were first kept in 1904, some 15 billion people have toured our national parks, and attendance goes up every year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially, these open spaces served as a vital escape hatch for Americans suffering cabin fever.
Their popularity brings us back to our touring family.
The Smiths En Route Home
Mother: I know school doesn’t start for two weeks, but I’m sure you don’t want to be late. That’s why we’re dropping you off there with your sleeping bags. Have a good semester!
— Barbara Greenleaf is the author of This Old Body: And 99 Other Reasons to Laugh at Life. She can be reached at barbara@barbaragreenleaf.com. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.