WASHINGTON, D.C.— “National parks are the best idea we ever had,” wrote famed western author Wallace Stegner. “Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

What began as a uniquely American idea with the creation of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872 has been exported, adapted and adopted worldwide in the decades that followed.

“American’s Gift To The World” is the theme of National Park Week, celebrated the week of April 18-24, 2005.

The week-long celebration will kick off Monday, April 18th with the dedication of the Yosemite Falls Restoration Project, the largest public/private partnership project ever undertaken in Yosemite National Park. The event celebrates the completion of a ten year, $13.5 million dollar effort enhancing protection of and improving visitor access to the Lower Yosemite Falls area.

A variety of events will be held at national parks across the nation during the week including the 35th anniversary of Earth Day.

The celebration will conclude in Albuquerque, New Mexico with ceremony recognizing the Superintendent of Petroglyph National Monument. Dr. Joseph P. Sanchez will be presented with the Medalla del Merito Civil, an honor conferred by the King of Spain, in recognition of this life-long accomplishments promoting Spanish Colonial heritage.

“It is my privilege each spring to encourage people to visit their national parks,” said National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella. “To paraphrase Stephen Mather, the first Director of the Service, visitors come away with a sense of pride, contentment and improved health after visiting our national parks.”

Many countries around the world look to the United States as a leader in park and protected area management. The agency’s Office of International Affairs facilitates cooperation between the National Park Service and park and protected area agencies around the globe to fulfill foreign policy objectives and international treaty and agreement obligations through a variety of programs, projects and activities.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For details on National Park Week events that will be held at your nearby or favorite park, or for help planning your next national park vacation, you can visit our web site at www.nps.gov.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.