Big Cypress – Florida
Big Cypress is not exactly a national park, but a national preserve. A national preserve allows certain traditional uses to continue while still protecting the land. When Congress established Big Cypress in 1974, it became one of the very first two national preserves in the country,
Big Cypress protects nearly 729,000 acres of land, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. There are countless ways to explore its varied landscape, including boardwalks and trails. Birds are everywhere along with alligators and a mosaic of swamps, cypress and mangroves.
Big Cypress also regulates the freshwater flow that feeds the fisheries, agricultural land and drinking water for many Floridians. It is a quiet preserve that sustains the life and communities that are rooted in its waters.
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Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
Another spectacular National Park is Rocky Mountain National Park. My oldest daughter Emily lives in the foothills of this park, so we have enjoyed more visits than most. From the rugged alpine cliffs to the mountain lakes, this landscape reminds us how diverse this park is. Established in January 1915, when Woodrow Wilson signed the act […]
Where a Nation Began: Standing on the Steps of Federal Hall – New York
Federal Hall is one of the most historically significant sites in New York, marking the birthplace of the American government. From Washington’s inauguration to the adoption of the Bill of Rights, it embodies the early struggles and triumphs that shaped the nation. Standing on the steps where George Washington took the oath of office on April […]
Scotts Bluff National Monument – Nebraska
Another memorable stop on our 1995 family cross-country road trip was Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska. Coming from the eastern part of the country, we wanted our daughters to see first-hand what life was like for families who traveled west by wagon train. Rising from the plans, Scotts Bluff was one of the […]
