Greetings from the 23,000 employees and 140,000 volunteers of the National Park Service! All across this great country, we are honored to care for America's special places. Since the creation of Yellowstone as the world's first national park, Americans and people from around the world have been drawn to national parks, not only for their resplendent beauty, ecological importance, historical significance, and memorable fun, but for what they represent - our national heritage, our spirit of adventure, and the vital essence of what it means to be American.

As the National Park Service looks forward to its centennial in 2016, we will strengthen our relationships with partners, stakeholders and organizations to support our mission. We share many environmental, management, and visitor enjoyment goals with our sister agencies and with communities, nonprofits and individuals. We are happy to be a partner in this Toolbox for the Great Outdoors. I hope you will visit often to find new ways and resources to meet your goals.

From Independence Hall to the Everglades, from Appomattox to the Grand Canyon, and almost 400 places across the nation - to begin your unparalleled national park experience, visit www.nps.gov.