100 years ago today, the Organic Act became law:
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that there is hereby created … the National Park Service… to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
I’ve written on this blog about many of my adventures in national parks, the well-known iconic wilderness areas and historic sites. Recently, I’ve been appreciating the national recreation areas created to provide access to nature and history in urban areas, specifically my local Golden Gate National Recreation Area established in 1972.
In the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island in Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosts more than a million visitors a year who come to tour its infamous old prison. What is less known is that Alcatraz is an important sanctuary for nesting seabirds, egrets and herons. I find it unappealing to tour a prison that’s much like the inhumane places we still have, but it’s a treat to visit the island and find nature thriving in a place filled with broken structures and mobs of people.
Snowy egret chick and parent
The census of nesting residents
Pigeon guillemot, with just a tiny bit of her bright orange legs showing
Attentive western gull parent with chicks
Brandt’s cormorants
On this 100th anniversary of the national parks, my wish for everyone is to have an experience in a park or historic site that is the heritage of all of us. Find your local treasures here.
Woodswoman Writes 
Thank you for the wonderful articles and pictures you share. I really enjoy them and appreciate your sharing with us.
Michelle
I’m glad you enjoy my blog and appreciate your kind words.
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and your love of our national parks. You are always an inspiration to me. The Illinois Valley Chorus is singing up at the Oregon Caves Chateau today for the 100th anniversary!
Wonderful–if there’s a video of the performance, I’d love to see it.
These are wonderful photos. I particularly love the contrast of the downy feather ensconced in the crack of the rock, emblematic of the incongruity of a paradise of birds cohabiting with the dark memories of imprisonment.
Cristina
Yes, quite a place of contrast. Coming from you as an accomplished photographer, your compliment means a lot to me.
Most people wouldn’t see this beauty even if it was right in front of them in Alcatraz. Thanks for the great pics!
That’s true for many people, I think. But even those not paying attention can’t miss the western gulls, with their families wandering just a few feet from the throngs.
I love the parks too! Your pictures are great. Your words make me feel like I’m there!
Thanks, I’m glad my post has brought the experience to life.
I haven’t been to Alcatraz since 2002, and you have inspired me to visit again!
I’m glad I’ve inspired you. The time to go is when the birds are nesting in mid-June. That’s when I was there. As often happens, it took me a while to add a blog post after the actual experience. I’d love to have you join me next time!