National Geographic’s 7 Natural Wonders of America
Key Points:
- The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, with patriotic songs and a special 24-hour live event titled “Disney Celebrates America,” featuring National Geographic Explorers sharing insights about iconic American landscapes.
- The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Appalachian Mountains, Everglades, Yellowstone, and Hawai‘i volcanoes are highlighted as awe-inspiring natural wonders, each with unique geological, ecological, and cultural significance, and facing environmental challenges such as drought, erosion, and habitat loss.
- National Geographic Explorers emphasize the importance of conservation efforts to protect these landscapes and their wildlife, urging public support for policies and organizations dedicated to preserving America's natural heritage for future generations.
- The special also features lesser-known sites like Marmarth, North Dakota, known for exceptional dinosaur fossils, and an underwater exploration mission led by ocean explorer Bob Ballard to map and study the largely uncharted U.S. submerged lands, highlighting ongoing discoveries about the nation’s past and future.
- These explorations and stories aim to inspire Americans to appreciate the country’s diverse environments and to engage in stewardship to ensure their resilience and survival alongside the nation’s enduring values.