Yellowstone National Park Turns 150 Today

Above, a Yellowstone geyser. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although Yellowstone National Park is millions of years old, as a national park, it turns 150 years old today.

From Wyoming News Now:

MAMMOTH SPRINGS, Wyo. (Release) - March 1, 2022, marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, America’s first national park was set aside to preserve and protect the scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, geologic and ecological systems and processes in their natural condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

“We’re proud to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone with America,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “This anniversary should remind us of the incredible value of our National Park System and the need for us to continue working together to address the many challenges of the future.”

Beginning March 1, the park will host and participate in a wide range of activities to commemorate 150 years of Yellowstone. Efforts will focus around reflecting on 150 years of protecting the park, highlighting successes in the ecosystem, and opening dialogue on the lessons learned from yesterday, the challenges of today, and a vision for tomorrow.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Yellowstone National Park Guide

Above, one of several geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

145 years ago today, Yellowstone National Park was established.

In commemoration of that anniversary, Travel + Leisure has posted a "Yellowstone National Park Guide".

It starts with:

Yellowstone, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and spilling into Idaho and Montana, stands out among the country’s national parks due to its high level of geothermal activity. 

Although many have heard only of the legendary “Old Faithful” geyser, there is much, much more within Yellowstone National Park’s boundaries. Some 500 smaller geysers and thousands of hot springs, many of which are accessible to those unwilling or unable to hike into the backcountry, coupled with diverse wildlife and thousands of square miles of vast wilderness, make this park a must-see. 

Surrounded by mountain towns immediately to the north, east, and west, and bordered by Grand Teton National Park to the south, there is plenty to do not only within, but also around the park. And those who visit the park will also experience a bit of history: Established on March 1, 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world.

To read more, go here. 

Zojo-ji Temple, In The Shadow of Tokyo Tower

My first visit to Japan was in October-November 2001.  I was in Tokyo for the Tokyo International Film Festival which was screening Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack.

While in Tokyo, I did manage to wander around the city.  One of the stops I made was to the Zojo-ji Temple ("The Temple of the Shoguns").  It is in the shadow of Tokyo Tower. The Temple dates back to 1393.  It has been at its present location since 1590.

Much of it is a reproduction as the Temple was destroyed during World War II bombing raids.  If memory serves, the Temple's gate (below) is original.

At the time of my visit, the temple was undergoing renovation (top photo).  On the Temple's grounds, I came across a Himalayian cedar tree (below) that was planted by the former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, while in Japan as a national guest in 1879.

Zojo-ji Temple makes a quick appearance in Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

 
JapanTourist has a nice photo-essay on Zojo-ji.  To view it, go here.