The National Parks (by Dayton Duncan & Ken Burns)
I don’t recall how this book got on my radar, but I’m grateful it did. I love nature and National Parks are the embodiment of preserving our magnificent pieces of land and monuments. Listening to the audiobook, I quickly learned that this book, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, is a physical companion to a 12-hour PBS series by the authors, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Streaming and viewing information can be found here. Below is a YouTube video trailer of the film series.
Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.) 😅
The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, Arizona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.
I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).
Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.
I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.
I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations.
Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks; Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website here for more information. The paintings are linked below.
I’ve Come to Take You Home (Cape Hatteras Lighthouse)
Bell Rock From Atop Baby Bell (Sedona)
After the Rain at Cathedral Rock (Sedona)
Saturday at Snoopy Rock (Sedona)
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