National Park Service

Definition

The National Park Service is a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks, monuments, and other historical properties with particular natural, scenic, or historic value.

Analogy

Think of the National Park Service like a group of librarians but instead of books, they're taking care of our nation's most precious natural and historical treasures.

Related terms

Department of Interior: The U.S government department charged with conservation and development of national resources; the National Park Service is part of this department.

Endangered Species Act: An act designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction; one enforced by agencies including the National Park Service.

National Monument: These are protected areas similar to national parks but can be created from any land owned or controlled by the federal government via proclamation by the President; managed by the National Park Service.