Stories of America’s National Parks

By: Megan Kate Nelson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Megan Kate Nelson

Many Americans remember a family road trip to visit one of our 63 national parks. Whether it is the geologic majesty of the Grand Canyon, the geysers of Yellowstone, the mountains of the Shenandoah region, or the swamps of the Florida Everglades, the landscapes and ecology of the United States are as rich and diverse as our population and cultural heritage.

Why did Americans start preserving these sites of natural and historic interest? How were these parks selected, and what steps did conservationists, activists, philanthropists, politicians, and others take to protect millions of acres against the booming developments of an expanding nation?

An award-winning writer, researcher, and American Studies scholar, Dr. Megan Kate Nelson tackles these questions as she takes you on a marvelous journey through some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Join her in Stories of America’s National Parks for an ideal introduction to a national treasure—our National Park System.

In 12 inspiring lectures, Dr. Nelson traverses America to give you an insider’s look at a dozen national treasures. You’ll explore the origins, cultural legacy, and environmental import of sites from the Hawaiian islands to the Atlantic seaboard, as you:

· Explore the ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, Colorado,

· Bundle up for a hike through the high peaks of Denali National Park,

· Learn about the timber industry and the protection of the great sequoias in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and

· Experience paradise on Earth in Maine’s Acadia National Park.

One important theme of this course is that national parks are not a given. Americans have often disagreed about their importance—and which landscapes are worth saving. From the depths of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky to the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde to the dark sky of Death Valley, Dr. Nelson shows that the conflicts over the past 150 years are an important part of the National Park System’s phenomenal achievements and complex history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2024 The Great Courses

Interesting history

We listened on a roadtrip across the US. We’ve been to only some of these but learning the history and researching more about the parks while listening was great. It will make visiting them seen through a whole new viewpoint.