The Lost Colony Competitors

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of over 420 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world – have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share the legacies of this land. People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama. The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others. Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. ENJOY. Make connections with the natural world at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray. Climb along Adventure Reef. Talk with a diver swimming the depths with eels and sharks. Look an albino alligator in the eye. Wonder at baby sea turtles. Go under the sea at free daily dive programs and animal encounters. Explore more with behind-the-scenes tours, outdoor adventures and kid friendly camps. The N. C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is dedicated to animals in our care and those in the wild. We recognize the challenges threatening species locally and globally. Our team commits resources and time to learning more and taking action through research, fieldwork, education, and the daily efforts of our team members. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher connects nearly 500,000 visitors a year with nature and animals. Open Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

North Carolina's state parks system is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources, to outdoor recreation and environmental education. Managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, it encompasses 41 state parks and state recreation areas, as well as 33 undeveloped conservation areas, ranging from mountains to piedmont to coast. The system maintains careful stewardship of North Carolina's diverse natural resources with a corps of dedicated, professional rangers trained in law enforcement, environmental education, natural resource protection, search-and-rescue techniques, wildfire suppression and medical first response. Their efforts are supported by maintenance mechanics, park office personnel and an administrative team that includes natural resource, planning, trails, exhibits, construction and land protection specialists.