Just before 2021 closed for business, the National Park Service announced the entrance-fee-free days for 2022. Oddly missing was August 25, also known as Founders Day for the National Park Service.

Wildfires that threatened iconic trees and burned north-to-south through parks, billions of dollars allocated to the National Park Service for maintenance work and improvements, restoration of two national monuments, and Senate confirmation of a National Park Service director were among the top stories from around the National Park System in 2021.

Dual threats -- climate change and growing popularity -- have combined to alter the experience and threaten the barrier island setting of Fire Island National Seashore.

Contributing photographer Rebecca Latson joined the ranks of others escaping to the national parks in 2021 and returned with enough written and photographic material for a year’s worth of photo columns. In this 2021 Year in Review, Rebecca shares her favorites with you.