This week we will understand our impact on National Parks, and what we should be doing to preserve them.  National parks can be a controversial topic, so make sure that you keep your post and your replies respectful!

National Parks can be defined as an entity that: “preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world” (NPS, 2018).

We all have probably enjoyed a National Park, and if you would like more information, take time to look around: https://www.nationalparks.org/

For This Discussion:

• Find a National Park (not a State Park): https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
• Choose the state in which you reside. (I live in Arkansas) There are a lot of parks, so make sure you choose one that is different than your classmates and use it in the title of your post.
• Recall that this is a biology class, therefore please select a park that allows you to discuss the wildlife (plants and animals) and ecological advantages as your priority.

Discuss:

• How large is the park?
  • What types of wildlife are found there?
  • What kind of recreation is present?
• Have you ever visited in person?
• What are the ecological advantages to the park?
• What are the economic advantages to the park?

Additional Resources:

Wida, E.C. (2018, Mar. 30). Unhappy campers continue to protest Yosemite National Park’s first Starbucks. Today Online. Retrieved from https://www.today.com/food/starbucks-opens-first-national-park-despite-backlash-t126209

National Park Service. (2018). About Us. https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm

Follow the Discussion and grading criteria guidelines and instructions for posting and replying to peers.  Note: Keep your reply posts focused on biology. They should be substantive and demonstrate understanding to be eligible for maximum credit.