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The National Parks
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)
Season 1
Episode 1
In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California’s Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land’s scenery for commercial gain and those who wish to keep it pristine. Among the latter is a Scottish-born wanderer named John Muir, for whom protecting the land becomes a spiritual calling.
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1:55:42
Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
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1:55:41
Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WWII.
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1:56:43
Encounter the growing numbers of visitors to the parks.
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1:52:33
Learn about the federal agency created to protect the parks.
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2:13:24
Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.