23 in 2023: An Explore Nature Year in Review

As we reflect on 2023, we offer you a list of 23 interesting and exciting science and nature events from parks of the national park system. From a dazzling “ring of fire” annular eclipse to celebrating conservation wins with the help of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, 2023 was filled with amazing moments.

Bryce Canyon celebrated their 100th birthday a year full of events, like photo contests. This image won the 2023 Winter Photo Contest.

Photo courtesy of Jim Hall

We celebrated some big anniversaries...

1. 50th anniversary for 74 National Natural Landmarks

This year, 74 of the now 604 National Natural Landmark (NNL) sites celebrated their Golden Anniversaries. The milestone is remarkable in that it recognizes 50 years of voluntary conservation, commitment, and partnership with landowners and managers of these NNL sites. See a list of sites that celebrated this year.

2. 50 years of endangered species protection

This December, the Endangered Species Act turned 50! According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “For over half a century the ESA has proven to be one of the most effective wildlife conservation laws, credited with saving 99 percent of the species it protects.” See how the National Park Service works to protect at-risk species.

At-risk species, such as the black footed ferret, are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

NPS photo

3. Centennial celebrations

Two parks that highlight our shared geological history celebrated their centennial this year with plenty of opportunities to learn about science and nature in the parks. Happy 100th birthday to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park!

...and some big accomplishments...

4. Recognizing contributions

The outstanding contributions of individuals in understanding, protecting, and managing park resources were recognized with the 2022 Director’s Awards for Natural and Cultural Resources.

5. Reclaiming Wells at Jean Lafitte

This year, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve became the first park to reclaim wells under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Energy Community Revitalization Program. At least 47 parks will benefit from this program.

128 Grazer took this year's Fat Bear Week crown.

NPS / F. Jimenez

6. Fat Bear Week Winner

Talk about a big accomplishment! 128 Grazer took the Fat Bear Week crown at Katmai National Park this fall by over 85,000 votes! A record 1.4 million ballots were cast in this year’s competition. Congratulations to this fierce queen of chonk!

7. New marine debris exhibits

In a continuing partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris program, a few more parks added exhibits highlighting the issue of marine debris. Many of these unique exhibits feature the work of local artists in an effort to increase awareness of this important issue.

We were awed and inspired by nature...

8. Annular Eclipse

In October, millions of people in the path of the annular eclipse were dazzled by the “ring of fire.” The eclipse passed 29 national park units as it makes its way across Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. This experience ramped up excitement for next year's total eclipse in April.

The "ring of fire" as seen on October 14, 2023 at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

NPS / Andrew Shirey

10. Wolves carrying “toys” back to pups

This spring, Yellowstone biologists documented adult wolves from the Mollie’s Pack traveling back to their den with some interesting items. Pups await food deliveries from successful hunts, but in the absence of food adults bring “toys.”

9. Rare Jurassic fossils discovered near Lake Powell

This spring, while documenting fossil tracksites along a stretch of Lake Powell a Glen Canyon National Recreation Area field crew discovered the first tritylodontid bonebed found in the Navajo Sandstone in Utah. These extremely rare fossils are one of the more important fossil vertebrate discoveries in the United States this year.

A painting depicting an Early Jurassic scene from the Navajo Sandstone desert preserved at Glen Canyon NRA. A small team of paleontologists worked with artist Brian Engh to provide a technically accurate depiction of the rare and enigmatic tritylodonts discovered in March.

NPS / Brian Engh

11. Your Park Story / My Park Story

Park visitors and employees alike shared their personal connections and stories from national parks. Discover how people were inspired by nature and these special protected places.

...and conservation wins...

12. Two National Natural Landmarks designated

In late 2023, two new National Natural Landmark (NNL) sites were designated, bringing the total number of NNLs to a whopping 604 sites! Glenwood Caverns and Iron Mountain Hot Springs in western Colorado and John Boyd Tacher State Park in eastern New York both offer glimpses into geologic time and life in extreme environments.

John Boyd Thacher State Park, New York was one of the two National Natural Landmarks designated in 2023.

NPS Photo

13. Conservation at Home

Our ecosystems are all connected, so what we do at home can have far-reaching effects! To help conserve natural resources beyond park boundaries, we created this list of simple actions you can take at home.

14. Year 2 of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment, celebrated its second signing anniversary in November. In Fiscal Year 2023, over 80 national parks had Ecosystem Restoration projects funded through the Law.

Plant restoration work at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

NPS / Connar L'Ecuyer

15. Inflation Reduction Act benefits over 114 parks

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides the NPS with the opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. The IRA Restoration and Resilience projects in national parks for this year represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation- from Alaska to Florida to Maine. In Fiscal year 23, projects were funded that will benefit over 114 parks.

Together, BIL and IRA will make it possible for ecosystem restoration to occur in national parks all across the country for the next several years, with positive benefits stretching well beyond.

13. Climate Change Response Strategy gets an update

In 2023, the National Park Service updated its Climate Change Response Strategy. The update provides a broad vision for how to protect parks and people in the face of the climate-related challenges. Strategy goals are organized under four broad focus areas: Understand the science, Adapt to changing conditions, Mitigate the cause, and Communicate about the issue .

14. Green Parks Plan 3.0

2023 also saw the third edition of the Green Parks Plan! This plan sets forth the National Park Service's bold vision to attain net-zero status in parks. Learn more about the five goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste sent to landfills.

...And we connected curious minds to science in parks...

18. Enjoy the View Like Us!

The significance and value of a scenic view can be as unique as the person enjoying it. Be inspired as National Park Service employees share their stories about their favorite park views.

19. It’s okay to say I Didn’t Know That!

From biological soil crusts and shooting stars to White-Nose Syndrome in bats and Leave No Trace, the I Didn’t Know That! Series broke down common science and nature questions and practices, encouraging readers to pass it on and share their new knowledge.

20. Park Science Magazine

The summer issue of Park Science Magazine explored the art of adaptability as we innovate to help the most vulnerable, outfox wildfires gone wild, listen to people who know and inspiring (and being inspired by) kids. Be on the lookout for a new winter issue coming on December 29.

21. Outside Science (inside parks) continues

The Outside Science (inside parks) series continued with seven new episodes covering everything from exploring sounds of biodiversity to uncovering battlefield artifacts. Each episode, produced in collaboration with Colorado State University, highlights the many ways young people get involved in science in parks.

2023 National Fossil Day artwork.

22. Fossil Day Artwork

This year’s National Fossil Day artwork took a dive into prehistoric inland seas and featured a Mississippian fossil shark species found only in Mammoth Cave National Park. Discover the story and science behind the artwork.

23. Parks in Science History

Parks have played important roles in the history of science. From measuring visibility in a scientific way to America’s first tropical marine laboratory, this series explores the contributions of parks in science history.

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It's a wrap!

All in all, this was another exciting year for scientific exploration and nature in national parks. We can't wait to see what 2024 will bring!

What would you add to this list?
How will you explore nature this year?