What You Can Do

Help Appreciate and Protect Scenic Views Where You Live

National parks are home to some of our nation’s most spectacular scenic views that inspire and connect us to the natural world and our cultural heritage. They can bring us closer together in a shared sense of awe. You can help do your part to appreciate and protect scenic views in your community and at home.

Here are some ways you can help:

a young woman takes a photo of a bear on a trail from a safe distance

Stop and enjoy the view!

This one’s easy - the best way to appreciate scenic views in your community is to first, stop and notice them. Take note of how things change over time. Capture the moment by taking a photo.

Volunteer.

Parks sometimes need help with conducting visual inventories or they may need photographers to capture shots of views to share with virtual visitors. Contact your local park to find out if there are opportunities to get involved.

Follow best practices for maintaining scenic value.

You may not realize it, but the paint on your house or the landscape of your garden creates the view around you. Before you start planning your next home improvement project, think about how what you do will impact the view. We have some tips created for parks that you can use too when planning your next project.

Get a different perspective.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this can also be true for scenic views! Maybe you cherish prairie landscapes, while your friend savors views of the sea. Or maybe you have a spectacular view in your neighborhood that blends into the background of your everyday life. Take time with friends or family member to appreciate different perspectives when you are out and about.

a boy in sunglasses and a hat looks over his shoulder and smiles while taking a photo of the scenery

Find out how National Park Service employees Enjoy the View.

Get inspired by stories from National Park Service employees as they share their favorite views in parks.

Share the love!

Let people know about your favorite views. Share photos from your trip with a friend or share them on social media. Tag your photos with #NPSViews on social media to share them with us. We may feature them on this website!


Last updated: May 9, 2023

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