Adam Baker: Outside Article--National Parks

In the article “Sacred Sites: Nature and Nation in the U.S. National Parks,” author Lynn Ross-Bryant discusses the role and growth of national parks in the country (especially in the west) and how they “embod[y] national unity and yet [value] individual experience.” As I ponder this quote, I could not agree more. I have always believed that our national parks are some of the finest aspects of our country and something of which to be extremely proud as citizens. There is simply something powerful and almost magical about the scenery they encompass. Our national park system seems to be something that brings people together from all walks of life, and is, after all, for the people’s enjoyment and preservation of our nation’s greatest natural treasures. From the Florida Keys to Utah’s magnificent sandstone arches, the extent of natural diversity encompassed by national parks is remarkable. I have been fortunate to travel to a great number of these parks, and I have come to appreciate every one. Viewing photos of Mt. Rainier in class reminded me, for instance, of my own spectacular encounter with the mountain, in which an entire day passed with the mountain enshrouded in clouds, but near sunset, the clouds broke and the mountain was awash in brilliant color. It is moments like that whereby I feel a connection with nature and can take something away from the experience.