On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, which created the National Park Service. We therefore celebrate this event, called "Founder's Day" each year on August 25 in all of America's national parks to recognize our origins. Now, in honor of Founder's Day, we're taking this chance to recognize a precious (and now former) institution of the NPS.

The Horace Albright Training Center (HOAL) trained rangers for decades. It was the beating heart of the NPS where the next generation learned to protect parks, history, and people, and how each of us fits into the success of our agency.

Now it’s closed.

This isn’t just an internal loss. It’s a blow to our parks, our public lands, and the communities they serve

“The NPS didn’t just shoot itself in the foot; it shot itself in the heart.” - HOAL Instructor ...