News Release

Media Advisory: Rangers Available to Celebrate National Park Service's 108th Birthday on Sunday

Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet (2,683 meters), overlooks the Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon.

NPS/M. Quinn

News Release Date: August 23, 2024

Contact: NewsMedia @nps.gov

WASHINGTON – This Sunday, August 25, marks the National Park Service’s 108th birthday. We invite you to join us in celebrating another year of America’s best idea!  

Park rangers are available for broadcast interviews this weekend and into next week. For more information or to schedule a window, e-mail us or reach out to a nearby national park, monument, seashore, historic site, recreation area or other national park site. With 430+ across the country- there is likely one closer than you think! 

VISUAL ASSETS: Find National Park Service b-roll and photos for use in your reporting here.  

SUGGESTED TOPICS & COVERAGE PLANNING RESOURCES 

Over the past 108 years we have grown and shone thanks to the dedication of our employees, volunteers, and partners – and the passion of all Americans. Here are some things we have been up to recently:  

• Welcomed our newest national park last week with Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. 

• Celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act and the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investments in the National Park Service since Mission 66 in the late 1950s.  

• Reached record numbers of visitors, reaching 325.5 million visits in 2023.  

• Helped boost the U.S. economy through “Parkonomics,” with national parks contributing over $50.3 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022.  

Our rangers are also always happy to discuss: 

• How to Plan Like a Park Ranger 

• Summer and water safety essentials 

• How to prepare for your best national park trip 

• The Ten Essentials for an outdoor adventure 

• Why it’s important to Recreate Responsibly  

• Or... we’ll work with you to craft a localized topic for your area! 

CELEBRATE WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This year we are also showcasing the evolution of the National Park System on social media through a collection of historical and current images with #ParksThenAndNow. This campaign illustrates our commitment to conservation over the years and how millions of people continue to be active, learn something, and have fun in parks every day.  

Thanks to the dedication of millions over the past 108 years, the National Park System has thrived in the heart of many Americans, and we are honored to create a safe space for all to enjoy, explore, and learn. Join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of our national parks by using #ParksThenAndNow on social media! 

CONTACT: e-mail us with questions and to set up an interview. 

Editor’s note: Different NPS sites may celebrate this event differently, and some may not have any special events planned. Please contact any specific park prior to visiting. Visit our website for general information about the NPS birthday. 
 

www.nps.gov 
 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.