A record number visitors toured America’s national parks and monuments last year, including sites in Wisconsin. More than 331 million people flocked to national parks in 2024. Here in Wisconsin, Apostle Islands and the St. Croix Scenic National Riverway both saw boosts in visitors. But it’s unclear what the summer travel season will hold this year, after the Trump Administration fired 1,000 national parks employees across the country on Valentine’s Day.

Time to say happy birthday to our state parks. This year the Wisconsin State Park System turns 125. Our oldest park is… Intestate Park located along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway… established back in 1900.

For a deep dive into environmental issues and what you can do to protect Wisconsin’s water, air and land, check out my Defender Podcast at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.