Photos show how FDR's 'tree army' helped shape America's national parks — and how the NPS has changed since

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act of 1916, creating the National Park Service (NPS). This act consolidated management of America's 63 national parks, previously overseen by various agencies. Stephen Tyng Mather became the first NPS director and played a crucial role in establishing iconic parks like Grand Canyon, Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Denali.

The NPS now manages 433 sites across 85 million acres of federal land, from parks and monuments to historic sites, battlefields, trails, rivers, and recreation areas. Its mission is to conserve each location's scenery, wildlife, and historical objects.

During the New Deal era, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) — often referred to as the "tree army" — was one of many federal work-relief programs that partnered with the NPS. Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, the CCC provided job opportunities for young men across the country. Within months of its creation, the CCC had plans to have 250,000 young men in camps around the country by July 1, 1934.

These workers built numerous structures in parks, many of which are still present today, even those in your own backyard.

Recent cuts to the NPS have raised concerns about its ability to maintain operations and visitor levels. The NPS employs 12,600 full-time employees and has seen a significant decline in workforce since January 2025, with nearly 25% of its permanent staff lost. This has led to issues such as littered parks, closed or unclean restrooms, and long entry lines. Despite these challenges, the NPS continues to welcome millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to the national economy.