An epic story that's a century long and a
continent wide

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA, Ken Burns' new documentary series will air on PBS in September 2009. The 12-hour, six-part documentary series traces the birth of the national parks in the mid-1800s and follows their evolution for nearly 150 years. It is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone.

Filmed over the course of more than six years in some of nature's most spectacular locales — from the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska — the documentary is the story of people from every conceivable background — rich and poor, famous and unknown, soldiers and scientists, natives and newcomers, idealists, artists and entrepreneurs. These extraordinary people devoted themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved. It is a story of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration — set against breathtaking backdrops.

The Yosemite Fund is proud to underwrite the broadcast of "The National Parks, America's Best Idea" on KQED in the San Francisco Area and KCET in the Los Angeles Area. Millions of California viewers will have the opportunity to discover and rediscover the uniqueness of Yosemite and the enthralling story of the national parks through this documentary series.

Learn more at PBS.org