As societies around the globe recognize with great concern the declines, drastic in some cases, of wildlife and wild places, the National Park System, a key to preserving nature and its life forms in the United States, is facing a confluence of challenges that could jeopardize efforts to reverse those declines.

Piliriqatigiingniq — the Inuit societal value or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) of working together for a common cause — was put into practice by Parks Canada and Inuit in Gjoa Haven with the resumption of research on the wreck of HMS Erebus. The field work continues to provide insights into the conditions of the wreck and its surrounding environment, and further advances understanding of the evolving story of the 1845 Franklin Expedition.

Water, the universal solvent, is eroding parts of the National Park System. It is slowly overcoming Cape Hatteras National Seashore and has done significant damage to Yellowstone and Death Valley national parks, as well as Mojave National Preserve and Vicksburg National Military Park. And with climate change, it is gaining strength.

Across the National Park System, declines in park staff are paired against soaring visitation levels in a discordant dance that challenges the National Park Service to accomplish its mission.