Preserve and Protect

Preserve and Protect. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. , National parks are special places owned by all Americans. Caring for these treasures is everyone's job. Throughout the country, citizen organized friends grouped to get people interested in and involved with preserving natural and cultural treasures., Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a non-profit organization. We work in cooperation with the National Park Service to connect people to this park through stewardship, public engagement and education programs., To Preserve, Protect and Provide for the benefit of future generations:, The National Park Service, Since 1939, the National Park Service (NPS) has operated and maintained Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. NPS shifted the purpose of the gardens , from propagating and selling lilies and lotus , to interpreting and educating visitors about the site's history, ecosystems and aquatic plants., In addition to park rangers leading tours and educational programs, a dedicated maintenance staff keeps the ponds, buildings and grounds in good repair., The Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens help the National Park Service in its mission., Five Star Staff, Some of the first NPS staff at the park, such as Fred Lundy, were former Shaw Gardens employees., Local residents have also become influential rangers here. One being Walter McDowney, winner of the 1985 NPS Freeman Tilden Award for excellence in interpretation., Growing up, Walter, "Ranger Mac" to visitors, often explored these gardens on his own and through ranger-led activities. Then, in 1968, he was hired as one of the first African American national park rangers. He inspired everyone with his love of nature.