The whole idea behind the US National Parks system was to preserve natural and historic locations, and the wildlife that lives there. The goal allows for inclusion of any place that features natural beauty, unique geological features, or an interesting ecosystem, plus the sites of national monuments and other places of historical or archaeological significance.
We’ve selected three US National Parks that are as different from each other as possible. Let’s start in the northeastern corner of the US, with a beautiful park called Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is in Eastern Maine, near the town of Bar Harbour. The park is unique, in that it features a wide variety of landscapes, including mountains, ocean coastlines, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands. It covers a total of about 49,000 acres.
The park is home to 37 species of mammals, including black bears, moose, and deer. There are 33 fish species and 331 bird varieties.
Everglades National Park
Unlike many national parks, Everglades National Park was initially created to protect a fragile and disappearing ecosystem. The Everglades consist of a network of wetlands and forests that are fed by a river flowing slowly out of Lake Okeechobee.
The Everglades cover a massive area, and Everglades National Park protects only the southern twenty percent. It’s the United States’ largest tropical(热带的)wilderness; in fact, it’s the largest wilderness of the east of the Mississippi River.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on “the big island”, Hawaii. It was created in 1916. The park features two active volcanoes, one of which, Mauna Loa, is the world’s largest shield volcano. The other, Kilauea, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets visitors get up close and personal with the two volcanoes. Odd-looking lava(岩浆)fields and dramatic landscapes captivate the eye, and you can learn about the rare plants and animals that thrive in the tough environment.
1. What is the US National Parks system aimed to do?
A.To protect natural and historic resources. | B.To rebuild old and important constructions. |
C.To appreciate natural and geological beauty. | D.To make ecosystems entertaining for people. |
2. In which park can you experience a rich diversity of landscapes and wildlife?
A.None of them. | B.Acadia National Park. |
C.Everglades National Park. | D.Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. |
3. What do visitors do in Hawaii Voleanoes National Park?
A.Learn about ecosystem protection. | B.Enjoy tropical wilderness landscapes. |
C.Get up close to two volcanoes. | D.Study lava samples in a tough environment. |