WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched a nationwide initiative that will send agency officials and partner organizations to national parks, wildlife refuges, monuments, and other public lands as part of the country’s 250th anniversary observance, creating a yearlong effort to highlight the history and stewardship of federal lands.
The program, called the Great American Expedition, will document visits to public lands across the country and create an online record featuring stories about the people, communities, and institutions responsible for managing some of the nation’s most prominent natural and cultural sites.
The initiative builds on the federal government’s broader plans to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial in 2026 and places particular emphasis on the role public lands have played in the nation’s history and development.
At each official stop, participants will display an expedition flag and present a site-specific account of the location’s historical, cultural, or environmental significance. Interior said the project will also highlight the work of park rangers, firefighters, scientists, engineers, conservation professionals, tribal partners, volunteers, and gateway communities.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the initiative is intended to connect Americans with public lands and historic sites while documenting their significance for future generations.
“The Great American Expedition is already inspiring pride, patriotism, and a renewed appreciation for the places that tell the story of our country,” Burgum said.
According to the department, each stop will be documented through the expedition’s website, creating what officials describe as a living record of the journey and the stories associated with each location.
The department is also encouraging public participation. Families, students, veterans, and other visitors are being invited to create their own expedition flags, visit public lands, and contribute stories connected to those places.
Interior framed the initiative as a continuation of the exploration and surveying efforts that helped map and document the United States during its early history. The department said those expeditions ultimately contributed to the development of modern systems for managing public lands and natural resources.
The program has already begun, with Burgum, Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, and other Interior officials displaying expedition flags at sites including Denali National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Additional information and updates on future stops will be published through the Great American Expedition website as the initiative continues through the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
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