Geography
The Mississippi River, named for the Ojibwe-Anishinabe First Nations word Misi-ziibi, is the second-longest river in the United States. Its source is Lake Itasca in Minnesota, and it flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. East of the Mississippi is a region called the Eastern Seaboard, which contains 14 states. These states are Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
National Parks
East of the Mississippi River, there are 15 national parks. Of these, the most well-known park is Acadia National Park, located in Maine. This park includes a large part of the coastline of the state, and also includes small islands in Frenchman Bay. It also includes several mountain peaks and lakes, as well as a significant amount of Atlantic forest.
The next largest park is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park, located at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States. It is known for its impressive mountain valleys, waterfalls, and impressive Appalachian forest.
Other parks east of the Mississippi include Gateway National Recreation Area, Congaree National Park, and Shenandoah National Park. Other parks are characterized by their diversity and beauty. For example, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is known for its waterfalls, Appalachian forests, and historic sites. Shenandoah National Park is known for its mountain valleys, rivers, and meadows.
Each of these parks are game changers, as they represent the best of the Midwest and South. They provide visitors with wonderful opportunities to experience natural and cultural history, while also improving economic conditions in the region.
Benefits of Visiting National Parks
Visiting national parks has major benefits to ecosystems and the human environment. National parks protect wildlife and their habitats, providing a home for animals that would otherwise be exposed to unsustainable development. Additionally, national parks help preserve culture and heritage. Many parks contain Aboriginal artifacts, allowing visitors to understand and appreciate the culture of past peoples. Finally, national parks improve air and water quality. These benefits make visiting national parks an important part of ecological and environmental sustainability.
Threats to National Parks
Despite the positive benefits of national parks, these parks are threatened by a number of human activities. These threats come from development, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Development brings encroachment on park boundaries, which can lead to a decrease in animal populations. Pollution, both from human activities and natural disasters, can cause damage to delicate ecosystems. Finally, climate change is causing extreme weather events, such as floods and drought, which can damage both plants and animals in a park.
Preserving National Parks
In order to ensure the longevity of national parks, preservation efforts must be taken. Laws and regulations need to be put in place to limit the negative impacts of human activities, and resources must be allocated to monitor and manage parks. Additionally, organizations and authorities need to be educated about the importance of parks and the need to act in a sustainable manner. Finally, parks need to be properly funded to make sure they have the resources necessary to protect them.
Conclusion
East of the Mississippi River, there are 15 national parks, each of which is a game changer in its own right. These parks provide opportunities to experience natural and cultural history, while also improving regional economic conditions. Unfortunately, these parks are threatened by activities such a development, poaching, pollution, and climate change. To ensure the longevity of these parks, preservation efforts must be taken, including the implementation of laws, regulations, and adequate funding. Only through an effective preservation program can these parks be protected for future generations.
