NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources are the concrete elements such as scenery, wildlife, and native plants that we most often associate with national parks. However, even a "natural park" such as Rocky Mountain, encompasses important cultural resources such as archeological sites, historic buildings, and evidence of past settlements.

In addition to these visible natural and cultural resources, parks also protect more abstract "resources" including clean air, natural quiet, the opportunity to walk on an ancient trail, and the experience of natural processes such as fire and predation.

It is this combination of natural, cultural, and abstract resources that make parks such special places, reminders of what our nation has been and inspiration for what it may become.

Responsible resource stewardship encompasses a great variety of tasks, many of which are described in this part of the web site. If you are interested in becoming personally involved in caring for Rocky Mountain National Park, please see the information on park volunteer opportunities.