I think national parks are a great idea. Now we have land to admire, not to destroy and make cities. We have saved animals instead of driving them to extinction. We have saved ancient structures, not used them for our own use. Personally, I think they're fantastic. My favorite park is Crater Lake. It is a beautiful place. I did a report on it and it is a wonderful place. I hope I can go there some day.

By Sarah:

I have learned that National Parks are not only all different, but hard to establish. At the same time though, they are one of the greatest beauties America has, they represent who we are, our past, and even our personalities. If it weren't for John Muir or Teddy Roosevelt, our country would not be worth as much in our hearts or to the world as it is today.

In my project, I studied Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is probably one of the most different parks because it is always growing. There is much more land being born there. I just hope that generations to come can see and experience them. This will please many. Also, I hope the National Parks Service will expand in National Parks for more happiness and joy.

By Valentine:

I think National Parks are definitely America's best idea. Not many people realize how important they are. Their blue skies and green forests shine with not only beauty, but meaning. National Parks are here because they remind us that we should always preserve wildlife the world. I have learned a great deal through the amazing videos shown to me. I learned the happy moments, such as when the first national park was created, and the sad moments, such as when Muir died. I feel a strong connection to National Parks and hope they always thrive.

By Jordan:

National parks are amazing, important and special gifts to us. I call them gifts because they are more of responsibilities than rights. National parks are important because they contribute to our country's beauty. National parks are also important because they give homes to animals such as bison. What I learned about national parks is that they protect animals from being slaughtered. I also learned that national parks are amazing historic landmarks, such as Mesa Verde. National Parks help us in sooo many ways, we really can't be thankful enough! I believe that without national parks, we would possibly lose all animals and most nature would be gone. I also believe that we would have a major crash down on governments if there were no national parks, so really national parks help us survive.

By Nicholaus:

I think National parks are very important because it keeps the animals and vegetation protected. Their importance is that they are full of life and should never be exploited like during World War 1. They deserve to be preserved and protected. From the Ken Burn's documentary, my personal feeling about President Roosevelt's "leave it as it is" speech was not only meant for the Grand Canyon, but to National Parks all around the world. The Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Crater Lake National Parks were established many years ago, and thanks to good preserving of the environment, they are still here. That's what I think of National Parks.

By Kate:

Replenish our lungs of soot
Amaze our sunken eye
Rekindle the spirit of nature
Shriveled mind and body find new power
Rise and smile for the earth bound paradise smiles with you
Let the smog-free blue, the pristine green brighten your eyes
Let the soft earth strengthen your limbs
Let the National Parks beauty soothe your soul
As you leave,
Back to the world
Take with you the feeling of pure life that so many feel
When their eyes behold the unique wonder of America's pride and joy
The National Parks