Connecting with Parks through Science
National parks strike awe in all of us, whether it be through dramatic views, captivating histories, or the knowledge we gain of their fascinating ecosystems. Across the National Park Service (NPS), scientists are uncovering the stories of the land, water, and air around us. Their findings share nature’s secrets to help us recognize our connections with natural spaces and allow us to deeply understand the unique ecosystems and inhabitants that exist within our parks.
The complexity of science and learning the reality of human caused climate change can be overwhelming. However, taking time to pause and learn about our natural world can offer a way to ground ourselves through understanding our relationship with it.
Looking forward, we want to evoke the same awe one feels when experiencing the essence of parks through the way we communicate science. To create the opportunity to form connections through knowledge, we strive for science communication that is accessible and understandable for all, sensitive to diverse beliefs and social contexts, and strong in messaging to encourage others to care about the natural and human elements that the NPS protects. Diverse representation in the way science is communicated and conducted is also principal to allow everybody to see themselves in science.
These snapshots of NPS efforts across Interior Regions 8, 9, 10, and 12 exemplify how scientific initiatives can lead to new discoveries, form partnerships, and reveal the unseen stories of the world around us. Sharing these stories is a chance to celebrate the dedicated people and extraordinary ecosystems that parks protect.
Erin Baer, Natural Resources and Science Conservation Fellow
Kayla Fermin, Biological Science Technician at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Emily Gotesman, Facility Management Fellow
Amber Reyes, Geographic Information Systems Specialist Intern
The following highlights are divided into six categories that share how stewardship across the region is serving the NPS mission of conserving and protecting our parks for future generations.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
