Dear Friend of the National Parks,

This National Park Week, something incredible is happening.

While park closures and social distancing measures keeping many people home, park advocates are sharing park stories and photos online... and showing that parks truly do bring people together -- even from a distance.

They're sharing personal stories, like how a ride to Mount Rainier helped one man reconnect and recenter. Stories about seeing the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde for the first time. And stories about witnessing a spectacular sunset in Acadia.

People are reading those stories... and finding something in common with people they've never met. That's the power of our national parks -- even now.

Those are the connections that we all need, now more than ever. That's why we want everyone to be able to share in stories that come from these remarkable places. MyParkStory is an easy way to learn and share about some of the most important and breathtaking places in our country.



There are hundreds of stories already on MyParkStory, all shared by people who were inspired by national parks and who want to share their experiences with others. Maybe you'll learn about a park you've never heard of, or maybe you'll learn something about your favorite places. Or like Jennifer, maybe you'll discover that parks can teach us about ourselves, too.

And MyParkStory makes it easy to share your own park story, whether it's a day trip to Harper's Ferry or a family weekend at Yosemite. Close to home or all the way across the country, there are park stories everywhere.

During this difficult National Park Week, I hope that reading and sharing stories from the parks will mean as much to you as it does to me.

Thank you for all that you do for America's national parks,

Sincerely,



Theresa Pierno
President and CEO

All photos via MyParkStory submissions