Saving Our Land

In the 1930s,strong winds swept across much of the Great Plains.The winds picked up soil from the dry earth,creating huge clouds of dust.Dust storms wear away the top layer of soil,called topsoil.These storms usually happen when land is very dty and when there are no enough plants  to hold topsoil in place.Dusty,loose soil can be swept away by strong winds.

Land and water are important natural resources.Events like the storms that took place in the Dust Bowl called attention to the need to conserve these resources.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

When the early settlers spread out across the United States,they were amazed by the richness of the land.They saw forests that spread out for miles and miles.The prairies they traveled seemed to be endless.Today,however,we know that our resources are not endless and that we need to proctect them.Protection our natural resources is called conservation.

There are many different ways of protecting our resources.Over a hundred years ago,the leaders of our country began to conserve some wilderness areas.Some of these are called national parks.The land there is protected from changes.

NATIONAL PARKS

In 1872,the United States government began to set aside certain wilderness areas that would not be changed by people.Since plant and animal life in these areas is protected,visitors can enjoy the land’s natural beauty.

The first national park in the United States was Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming,Idaho,and Montana.It has thousands of hot springs.Some springs are so hot the water boils.Others shoot water and steam from deep in the ground a hundred feet into the air .These fountains of hot water are called geysers.

The highest park in North America, Mount McKinley,stants in Denali National Park in Alaska.There are also many other mountains in the park.Moose,deer,and other wildlife roam the land there.

CONSERVING OUR RESOURCES

We must conserve all of our natural resources.For example,we need rich topsoil to grow food for people and livestock.Plants grow very well in areas with topsoil.That is why farmers are so concerned with soil conservation.

The conservation of our forests is also important.Forests give us wood for lumber,paper,and much more.They also provide homes for many animals.We can help conserve forests by  limiting how many trees re cut.We can also plant new plant new trees where they have been cut down.

You can conserve forests by using paper wisely.Water is another importaqnt resource.People,plants,and animals need water tob live.What can you do to conserve water?Try not to waster it.Take shorter showers and turn off the water while you brush your teeth.

Conserving soil,trees,and water helps to create a healthy environment.All things that surround us- air,water and land- are part of our environment.We must do more than conserve our natural resources.We must also try to clean those resources that have become too dirty to use.

National forests are areas that are taken care of by the United States government.Tree in national forests can be cut,but the government makes sure that new trees are planted to replace them.