Recently updated on October 4th, 2022 at 05:13 pm
As the U.S. National Parks Service celebrates its momentous 100th year, we talk to national park expert Michael Liang, to get an insider’s view on what makes the parks so special and which lesser-known spots are most worth seeking out.
What makes the National Parks Service so important to the United States?
“The National Park Service (NPS) offers people places of hope and inspiration. For the past hundred years, people have come together to protect special places for a common good. These are places where conservation has allowed endangered species to rebound and wilderness to remain untouched, and places where we can both celebrate our history and learn from it. The national parks bring people together.”
What difference do the parks make to the United States in the long run?
“There are environmental and social pressures affecting the United States that the founders of NPS could never have imagined in 1916. I believe the national parks are now more important than ever because they serve as a buffer to such impacts; as species migrate due to climate change, our large tracts of protected land provide pathways for such shifting home ranges. As a society, we are more diverse than ever before, and the national park experience can be a great way to bridge and celebrate those differences together. Sharing a sunset or eating marshmallows around a campfire tends to bring out the best in people.”
What is the greatest appeal of these parks to visitors from across the globe?
“No matter your background, there’s something for everyone. With more than 400 national parks across the country, you can find something that resonates with your interests, whether you’re a history buff or adventure enthusiast. Findyourpark.com is a great way to discover these parks, activities, and special events.”
Of the parks you’ve experienced, which stand out most for you?
“You always remember your first national park and for me there are two. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan was the first park I remember going to. My uncle was a ranger there, and I spent my summers participating in its environmental day camp. In many ways, that was the first step on a path that led me to a career with the U.S. National Park Service. The other park is North Cascades National Park, where I worked during my summers in college. As someone who grew up in the flats of the Midwest, I was simply in awe of the jagged mountains, icy cold glacier-fed lakes, and unending wilderness. It was love at first sight.”
Which park impresses the most for its resident wildlife?
“Everglades National Park stands out to me as a place of guaranteed wildlife sightings. I spent a week canoeing through the park and lost count of all the different types of birds I saw. Dolphin and alligator sightings were everyday occurrences, too. And of course, you’re more likely to see wildlife if you’re on a trail, away from the roads and highways.”
What’s your most memorable national park experience?
“After Hurricane Sandy hit New York City, I spent three weeks helping its parks recover. As a visual information specialist, one of my jobs was to photograph and film the extent of the damage. One day I found myself staring up at the Statue of Liberty, on a mostly deserted Liberty Island that was closed to the public. That sort of access to our national treasures is always exciting, but more importantly, I felt honour and a sense of duty in my work. A few years later, I returned to the park with my family and was proud to realise that I had helped contribute to its reopening.”
Which national park have you been most surprised by?
“All of our small and historic sites continually surprise and impress me. Places like Manzanar National Historic Site and Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park have taught me a lot about American history.”
Which of the lesser-visited parks do you think should be better known?
“Here in southern California, César Chávez is known as an important leader in securing rights for farm workers and migrant labourers. His story is preserved as a national park unit but honestly, I had no idea who he was until I moved to Los Angeles. As I read more about his life and his peaceful protests, I couldn’t believe that his story wasn’t more widely known. He was and continues to be an inspiration to so many people.”
How are parks being made more accessible and what plans are there for the future?
“Through our Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement, we are encouraging people to discover and find a connection with our 410 national parks. The goal of the movement, which sets the stage for the next 100 years, is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates. I’m really excited to see how parks change to be more relevant, be it wifi at visitor centres, participation on social media platforms, or community-based programmes in urban areas. Since the National Park Service manages this land on behalf of the American people, I look forward to hearing from our next generation about their hopes and dreams for the future.”
Travel between some of the United States’ iconic parks on the National Parks Wonders and Scenic Parks Explorer trips with Trafalgar.
Image credits: Cover photo of North Cascades National Park © iStock / epicurean. Michael Liang of the U.S. National Parks Service © U.S. National Parks Service. A mountain goat in North Cascades National Park © iStock / Justin Reznick. Sultana in Everglades National Park © iStock / Tahir Abbas. Mt Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake, North Cascades National Park © iStock / Dave Logan.