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Happy 60th Birthday, National Natural Landmarks Program!

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Now is the time to celebrate the National Natural Landmarks 60th anniversary.

Today, the National Natural Landmarks Program (NNL) turns 60 years old. All are welcome to the celebration. The National Park Service operates the program, which started in 1962 with just nine sites. Fast-forward to 2022, and 602 NNLs now exist nationwide.

Conceptualized in 1962 by Stewart Udall, Secretary of the Interior at the time, the goal of the NNL is to “distinguish and commemorate America’s vast ecological and geological sites and formations”.

“Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education,” states the National Park Service on its NNL website.

Which of the over 600 National Natural Landmarks have you visited? How many can you recognize? And where will you visit next?

Check out the birthday salute from several scenic spots in the quick clip.

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