While national parks don’t need too much PR to assemble a fanbase — the National Park Service saw a record-breaking 323 million recreation visits in 2025 alone — they are only one piece of a vast network of federal public lands in the United States.
In fact, nearly 40% of the United States is public land — equating to more than 600 million acres of land and water — supported by taxpayers and managed by federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
Public lands include the famous national parks and preserves, as well as national forests, wildlife refuges, conservation areas, wilderness areas, national monuments, historic sites, battlefields and memorials, wild rivers and lakeshores, national trails, and national recreation areas.
All U.S. public lands are the ancestral lands of Indigenous people and tribal nations, who managed them sustainably for thousands of years.
Devastatingly, many of these lands now face mounting threats from political leaders and companies looking to use these protected spaces for development and extraction. But local people remain committed to protecting them.
With that in mind, it is more crucial than ever to know what we’re fighting for. The following resources will help expand your knowledge, root deeper in your appreciation, and rise as an advocate for all public lands.
By the way, some of the links in this article (like books!) are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
The best books about national parks and public lands
“Our Common Ground: A History of America’s Public Lands” by John D. Leshy
Photo courtesy of Yale University Press
“Our Common Ground” tells the story of how the U.S. government came to create its public lands, through political consensus not often seen in the country’s history.
The book offers a success story for government, education, conservation, and more, and acts as an essential primer for anyone who loves the beauty of America.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon
“Grand Canyon For Sale: Public Lands vs. Private Interests in the Era of Climate Change” by Stephen Nash
Photo courtesy of University of California Press
“Grand Canyon For Sale” uses the Grand Canyon to illustrate what a future without public lands would look like. Nash uses on-the-ground reporting and scientific research to make the case for climate action and wildlife conservation to safeguard these important places for years to come.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon
“Our National Forests: Stories from America’s Most Important Public Lands” by Greg M. Peters
Photo courtesy of Timber Press
“Our National Forests” specifically lauds the role of the U.S. Forest Service across our country and its diverse ecology.
Peters celebrates dedicated U.S. Forest Service members, engaged citizens, and the forests themselves for the triumphs and challenges that often go unsung.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon
Must-see documentaries about national parks and public lands
“This Land”
“This Land” film poster by Jeff Zielinski
“This Land” is a short documentary film featuring runner and advocate Faith E. Briggs. Following Briggs as she runs 150 miles through three national monuments, viewers meet a diverse set of companions who adeptly explain what is at stake for the country’s public lands.
Available to stream for free online.
“Public Trust: The Fight for America’s Public Lands” by Patagonia Films
Photo courtesy of Patagonia Films
“Public Trust” is a feature-length documentary led by investigative journalists highlighting three land-based conflicts — and the heroic activists who are defending these lands from corrupt interests — to make a clear argument for protecting public lands.
Available to stream for free on Patagonia’s website.
“Understory: A Journey Into the Tongass”
An aerial view of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Photo courtesy of Last Stands
“Understory” is a 40-minute documentary that follows three women on a 350-mile expedition through Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
On this journey, they explore how logging could affect wildlife, local communities, and the planet as a whole.
Available to stream for free online.
Influencers using their platforms for public lands
@alex.haraus
Alex Haraus. Photo courtesy of Alex Haraus/Instagram
Alex Haraus empowers people to take action for nature. Based in Colorado, the environmental educator teaches his hundreds of thousands of followers more about public lands, federal policy, and how individuals can make a big difference.
He also organizes local protests and meetups to mobilize nature lovers like him.
@thesimpleenvironmentalist
Emma Dendler. Photo courtesy of Emma Dendler/Facebook
Emma Dendler uses her platform to welcome followers into a world of imperfect activism for the planet.
She shares helpful and accessible guides to take action for national forests, parks, and all public lands, and intentionally includes disabled and other marginalized voices in her efforts.
@fatblackandgettinit
Nelson Holland. Photo courtesy of Nelson Holland/Instagram
Nelson Holland may have started as an outdoorsy social media vlogger, but his platform has grown to encompass all kinds of activism.
From public lands advocacy and conservation efforts to providing practical tips to combat ableism and body-shaming in outdoor recreation, Nelson is a joyful and educational follow for all.
You may also like: These are all the national parks where your dog can become a ‘BARK Ranger’
A version of this article was originally published in The 2025 National Parks of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image courtesy of NPS Photo
