In honor of the 100th birthday of the National Park Service today, the White House has turned over its Instagram account to outdoor pros.
Although Yellowstone National Park began the national park system in the United States, it wasn’t until 1916 that the National Park Service was created under President Woodrow Wilson. At the time there were 35 national parks. Today there are 58 among more than 400 total areas managed by the agency.
As Teddy Roosevelt said, “there is nothing so American as our national parks.” And it was with this philosophy that the White House paid tribute to the park service today with contributions from photographers, mountain climbers, musicians and more.
Photographer Chris Burkard kicked things off with a shot of Yosemite.
“The first time I saw Yosemite National Park I was young,” Burkard wrote. “My eyes were glued to the window as we passed the famous tunnel view, & I caught my first gaze of its massive granite walls & waterfalls. I was blown away. Never before had anything in nature struck me so profoundly. I knew in that moment I had truly found my park.”
Rock climber Sasha DiGiulian shared her a photo of Lost Arrow Spire in Yosemite
“So happy to celebrate the@NationalParkService turning 100. Thanks to them I have the ability to play in the most beautiful places in this country. #FindYourPark and remember to respect those around you and your surroundings!”
Among others, musician Common shared a photo from a recent summer camp.
“Violence can make summers in Chicago a struggle, especially for our children. Getting outside the city can bring them some peace and hope, and help our kids dream bigger dreams,” he wrote.
