National parks, national forests, state parks, city parks - all of these green spaces have value above and beyond providing trails to walk or bike or hunt.
They are filters for clean air and water, refuges for wildlife and birds, which are our "canary in the coal mine." When they can no longer survive neither can we.
What would the park areas look like if they were not protected? Walmart, subdivisions, and commercial districts would snatch them up. Hotels and trailer parks would fill the spaces in between.
Even if we live in the city, park spaces are a place to go and regain the peace of mind our spirits need.
Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, planting the seed for preserving green spaces all over the world. I am grateful for those who initiated the system to preserve and protect our precious natural areas.
