The Explore Nature Thanksgiving List

24 in 2024

For many, Thanksgiving is a time for taking stock of all of the things that we’re grateful for and to appreciate what we have. So, here’s our list of 24 things we’re thankful for this year and 24 ways to give back and “say thanks” by enjoying, protecting, or discovering more. What would you add to this list?

One moose, two moose, bull moose, young moose.

NPS/Kent Miller

1. Wildlife

National parks offer unparalleled opportunities to watch wildlife. Birds, otters, and bison are fascinating, and watching wildlife is both exciting and relaxing at the same time.

Say Thanks: Learn the 7 ways to safely watch wildlife

There's nothing better than sleeping out under the stars!

Savana Jones

2. Camping Opportunties

You can camp any time of the year! Breathing fresh air and disconnecting from devices are so good for our mental health and wellness.

Say Thanks: Explore nature through camping and find out how you can Leave No Trace during your next trip.

Take a hike!

NPS / J. Frank

3. Time on Trails

Exploring national parks through trails, bikeways, boardwalks, nature trails, and even off-trail in remote Wilderness areas brings us closer together and healthier!

Say Thanks: Discover trails and hiking in national parks.

Tackling invasive plants in parks is a big job, but the IPMTs are up to the task!

NPS

4. Invasive Plant Management Teams

The dedicated people on the 17 Invasive Plant Management Teams work hard to rid our beautiful parks of harmful invasive plants.

Say Thanks: Find out how you can help stop the spread of invasive species before you recreate, after, and at home.

The Milky Way... more than just chocolate.

NPS / Damon Joyce

5. Starry Skies

Looking up at the night sky and getting lost in the Milky Way is always a source of inspiration. We are so lucky to have 35+ certified dark sky parks and dedicated scientists who work to monitor and protect our night sky resources.

Say Thanks: Become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer and get aquainted with the dark.

Look how vibrantly blue and clear that water is!

NPS

6. Clean Water

For drinking, for healthy ecosystems, water is the foundation of life. Parks feature some of the most pristine waters in the country. From rushing rivers to mountain lakes, active wetlands, and even the water you can’t see. All contribute a healthy functioning ecosystem.

Say Thanks: Find out how you can help conserve water at home and when you visit parks.

Clean air + still water = beautiful vista!

NPS

7. Clean Air

Take a deep breath. Clean air helps people breathe easy and see far. It keeps our parks and planet healthy too! We work hard to monitor the air quality in parks.

Say Thanks: Discover how you can save energy and money while reducing air pollution at home.

When you plant native plants for pollinators you get the added bonus of enjoying their company.

NPS Daniel Peterson

8. Pollinators

More than 75 percent of the Earth's flowering plants depend on bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other pollinators. In fact, they're responsible for 1 out of 3 bites we take each day!

Say Thanks: By planting native plants for pollinators.

And remember.... don't pet the fluffy cows!

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

9. Our National Mammal

Bison are more than just majestic “fluffy cows,” they are symbols of our shared American history and culture. No other wildlife species has had as much impact on humans and the ecosystems that they occupied than bison.

Say Thanks: Learn about the centuries of intertwined history of people and bison.

What's your favorite dinosaur? We know you have one.

NPS

10. Dinosaur Bones

Pretty much every child goes through a dinosaur phase. Some never grow out of it! Why? Because they’re awesome! Fossils, such as dinosaur bones, are evidence of ancient life. They are irreplaceable pieces of America's geologic heritage and tell the stories of America long before the United States existed.

Say Thanks: Learn more about fossils and paleontology in the National Park Service.

Can you "hear" this photo?

NPS / Jim Peaco

11. Natural Sounds

Frogs, birds, and thunderstorms are some of the first natural sounds that come to mind. But national parks are home to many other natural and cultural sounds as well, such as singing sands, insects, and alligators.

Say Thanks: Explore our natural sounds gallery.

We may be biased, but we think national park rangers have the coolest hats.

NPS / Jonathan Shafer

12. Helpful Rangers

Some ranger host fireside chats, some answer questions in visitor centers, some do search and rescues operations; they’re all superstars!

Say Thanks: Say thank you in person! Plan your next trip to a park.

VIPs make the parks go round!

NPS Photo

13. Volunteers in Parks

Volunteers in Parks are the most important VIPs! They make our special places even better. Some help with campgrounds, some in visitor centers, and some even help build the trails that you enjoy!

Say Thanks: Learn more about how you can get involved by volunteering with us.

What's better than an arch? An arch within an arch.

NPS Jacob W. Frank

14. Geology

There are amazing stories hidden in our rocks and landforms that tell us about the Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history. From the tallest peaks to the deepest caves, geology in national parks is sure to amaze!

Say Thanks: Discover America’s geologic legacy.

How adorable is that face?

NPS

15. Protected Endangered Species

Some at-risk species such as the Shenandoah salamander, Franciscan manzanita, and Island scrub jay are only found in parks. Thanks to legislation like the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act, we are better able to protect our most at-risk species.

Say Thanks: Learn more about the laws that protect at-risk species.

When we close our eyes, we're on a beach in American Samoa.

NPS

16. Scenic Views

Close your eyes and imagine a national park. Chances are a scenic view from a visit to a park comes to mind. Scenic views in national parks inspire and connect us to the natural world and our cultural heritage.

Say Thanks: Discover how to Enjoy the View Like Us! as National Park Service employees share their favorite views in parks.

For SCIENCE!

NPS

17. Scientists

Scientists help us understand our world. The work that they do in parks is essential for making management decisions for the future of our parks. We're also thankful for our Scientists in Parks program that helps connect aspiring scientific professionals with parks to work on natural resource management needs.

Say Thanks: Meet the National Park Service scientists that help preserve and protect our special places.

Somewhere, under the sea, a whole world awaits, just for me...

NPS / Brett Seymour

18. Oceans

There are 88 ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes park units in the National Park Service. They’re teeming with life, they help regulate our climate and the recreational opportunities are basically endless!

Say Thanks: Find out how you can help protect our oceans by living blue.

Stories of science, when you want them, where you want them (it's online!).

NPS Photo

19. Park Science Magazine

Park Science Magazine gives voice to the science conducted in the National Park Service. Discover the advances in science and technology that helps us preserve, understand, and enjoy our public lands.

Say Thanks: Read the Summer 2024 issue and keep an eye out for the Winter 2024 issue in December.

Supporting science in parks since 1999.

NPS

20. Research Learning Centers

17 Research Learning Centers help make science possible by supporting researchers who study parks, making research accessible to visitors, and making research applicable to conservation.

Say Thanks: Get involved in citizen science projects at Research Learning Centers.

It's all connected!

NPS / K. Smigielski

21. Connected Conservation

Water, wildlife, lands, and air are all connected and don’t stop at park boundaries. By working together at a landscape-scale, we can make real progress in protecting our special places.

Say Thanks: Participate in Conservation At Home and find out what action you can take at home to help protect our natural resources.

Parks—contributing to science since 1916.

NPS photo

22. Parks in Science History

Did you know that national parks are also laboratories for science? Since their creation, national parks have played a significant role in history of science and, therefore, the world's intellectual heritage.

Say Thanks: Learn about the role of national parks in the history of science in this article/video series: Parks in Science History.

Understand, adapt, mitigate, and communicate! The four cornerstones of the National Park Service Climate Change Response Strategy.

NPS Photos

23. Climate Action

As human activity drives rapid changes to our modern climate, we must similarly respond to the impacts it brings to our parks. Though unprecedented in size and scope, the National Park Service is rising to the challenge with a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes science, facilitates adaptation, encourages sustainable operations, and supports broad communication.

From Acadia to Zion, units across the National Park System are actively working to address the challenge of climate change.

Say Thanks: Learn more about climate action in parks and what you can do at home to help.

We love our parks! Don't you?!

NPS / M. Quinn

24. Our Public Lands

We love our public lands, but specifically national parks of course! We'll always think of them as America's Best Idea!

Say Thanks: Plan a visit to a national park and don’t forget to recreate responsibly.

Explore Nature