The uncontested heavyweight champion of the National Park System is Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. At 13.2 million acres, it's larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined. The park is also one of the wildest places in North America, with vast areas of untouched wilderness, an incredible abundance of wildlife, and hardly a man-made structure to be found.
Wrangell-St. Elias spans the convergence of four mountain ranges and encompasses some of the highest peaks in the U.S., including the 18,008-foot Mount Saint Elias. It's also a place of wild extremes. More than a quarter of the park is covered in glaciers, yet it's also a hotbed of volcanic activity, with thousands of lava flows converging in the 2,000-acre Wrangell Volcanic Field.
In 2019, NPF granted money in support of field trips for local students, so they could better learn about the seasons and landscapes of the park. From a springtime Earth Discovery Day for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders to overnight camping trips for 7th and 8th graders, these field trips help students explore the diverse landscape of our nation’s largest national park.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of national parks and environmental conservation, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and a profound understanding of the intricate details that make each park unique. My extensive experience includes hands-on involvement in various projects, collaborations with environmental organizations, and a passion for educating others about the importance of preserving our natural wonders.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and key elements embedded in the article about Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve:
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Size and Comparison:
- The article highlights Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve as the "uncontested heavyweight champion" of the National Park System, boasting a staggering 13.2 million acres.
- The park's immense size is emphasized by comparing it to other well-known parks, namely Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and even the entire country of Switzerland combined.
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Wilderness and Wildlife:
- Wrangell-St. Elias is described as one of the wildest places in North America, featuring vast areas of untouched wilderness.
- The park is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife, showcasing the richness of biodiversity within its boundaries.
- The absence of man-made structures further emphasizes the pristine and natural character of the park.
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Geographical Features:
- The park spans the convergence of four mountain ranges, contributing to its diverse and dramatic landscape.
- Some of the highest peaks in the U.S., including the towering 18,008-foot Mount Saint Elias, are located within Wrangell-St. Elias.
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Glaciers and Volcanic Activity:
- More than a quarter of the park is covered in glaciers, adding to its icy and formidable terrain.
- Wrangell-St. Elias is noted for its paradoxical nature, being both a glacial wonderland and a hotbed of volcanic activity.
- The 2,000-acre Wrangell Volcanic Field is highlighted, showcasing the convergence of thousands of lava flows within the park.
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Educational Initiatives:
- The article mentions the National Park Foundation (NPF) granting money in 2019 to support field trips for local students.
- The field trips aim to enhance students' understanding of the park's seasons and landscapes.
- Various activities, such as a springtime Earth Discovery Day for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, as well as overnight camping trips for 7th and 8th graders, are designed to provide immersive experiences for students to explore the diverse landscape of Wrangell-St. Elias.
In summary, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve emerges as a colossal and ecologically diverse gem within the National Park System, blending stunning natural features with initiatives aimed at educating and fostering a connection to the environment among local students.
