Today, numerous species living in Saguaro National Park, including the signature cactus, face many challenges — urban development along with invasive species, drought, and wildfires that are amplified by climate change.

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.