America's national parks help protect hundreds of endangered species

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service. Its mission is to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the country has to offer and to showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, the 63 national parks in the U.S. contain at least 247 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites, and 18,000 miles of trails.