In 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park was established in north-central Colorado to preserve one of the most scenic stretches of the southern Rocky Mountains and to protect the alpine tundra that encompasses one-third of the park. Elevations range from 7,700 feet in the montane ecosystem to the summit of Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. These different elevations and ecosystems have marked differences in wildlife and vegetation. The Continental Divide traverses the park, also delineating species and ecosystems between the generally drier east slope and wetter west slope. Over 900 native and over 100 non-native vascular plant species are found in the park.

In 1966, San Juan Island National Historical Park was established to commemorate the peaceful resolution of the infamous Pig War and Oregon boundary dispute. The park is located on scenic San Juan Island in Washington State and consists of two separate units, American Camp and English Camp, a diverse landscape, from seaside bluffs and marine lagoons to evergreen forests and stands of Garry oak.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (gsmit.org) have teamed up to collect data about the phenology of plants in the Great Smoky Mountains. Participate in Budburst during your next visit by reporting observations for any of the following high elevation and/or low elevation plants.

Lewis and Clark NHP celebrates the ongoing discovery of our rich natural history and invites you to continue in the grand tradition of Lewis and Clark by tracking plant species that they were the first to scientifically describe during their expedition.

Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1941 to protect the unparalleled underground labyrinth of caves, the rolling hill country above, and the Green River valley. Since then, ongoing study and exploration have shown the park to be far more complex than ever imagined, hosting a broad diversity of species living in specialized and interconnected ecosystems. The park's challenge is to balance these remarkable and sometimes fragile living networks with the public's enjoyment of them. Research is the key; park staff use the best available science to plan and evaluate management actions.