National Parks Service 110th Anniversary Celebrations at Assateague Island National Seashore

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. – On August 25th, The National Parks Service celebrated it’s 110th anniversary. On Assateague Island’s National Seashore, many visitors celebrated in the park thanks to waived entry fees — others were outside the gates making their support for the national parks service known.

Linda Powers was a visitor outside demonstrating her support, and emphasized how the parks represent the United States.

“I just think they’re the best reflection of America the Beautiful.” Said Powers. “Because every single one of the national parks has its own unique essence.”

Powers was a part of a group of demonstrators gathered outside of the park entrance, showing support for Natural Parks and Resources amid cuts to protections on the federal level. But also to display their appreciation for the National Seashore right here on Delmarva.

“It really is just gobsmacking to me to see all the different, just the nature and the beauty that’s, that’s here in the country.” Said Powers.

Other visitors, such as the Stathes Family, reveled in the beauty of Assateague, and emphasized how it displays the importance of the parks.

“Yeah, they need to be protected at all costs because you can just come in.” Said Stathes.  “It’s quiet and it’s the way it was, you know, millions of years ago, these places.”

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, creating the parks service and grouping it with the US Department of the Interior, with the intention of increasing the preservation of the United States’ natural beauty.