National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Photo: Kids jumping in unison off a dock into a lake

Preparing for a Second Century of Stewardship and Engagement

A Call to Action


What is This?

A Call to Action rallied employees and partners to advance a shared vision in the years leading to the centennial in 2016. It described specific goals and measurable actions for the National Park Service as it entered its second century. Launched on August 25, 2011, the 95th birthday of the Service, A Call to Action was updated each year through 2015 to reflect accomplishments and new actions.

Centennial Goal:
Connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates.

2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service—a defining moment that offered an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our accomplishments as we prepared for a new century of stewardship and engagement.

America has changed dramatically since the birth of the National Park Service in 1916. The roots of the National Park Service lie in the parks' majestic, often isolated natural wonders and in places that exemplify our cultural heritage. Today, our reach also extends to places difficult to imagine 100 years ago—into urban centers, across rural landscapes, deep within oceans, and across night skies.

In our second century, the National Park Service is recommitting to exemplary stewardship and public enjoyment of these places. We are promoting the contributions that national parks and our community assistance programs make to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and support ecosystem services. We are striving to strategically integrate our mission across parks and programs and use their collective power to leverage resources and expand our contributions to society.

In the years leading up to the NPS Centennial, much was accomplished throughout the Service and by our partners to prepare us for the future. Download the latest version of the Call to Action (at right) to review our vision and updated action items for a second-century National Park Service. And see how we capped off our centennial in 2016 with a remarkable year of progress and celebration.

As we embark upon our second century of service, we look forward to working with our partners, visitors, and other supporters to answer the call.