Developed by the National Park Service, the National Natural Landmarks Program aims to conserve sites that contain particularly outstanding biological and geological resources, both public and private. They are selected for their condition, rarity, value to science and education, and a number of other factors. Here are some facts about the program:

1) There are more than 600 landmarks in the National Natural Landmarks Program.
The landmarks span from the continental United States to the American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2) The National Parks Service runs the program.
It's the service’s job to protect these designated areas and act as an advocate to raise awareness about U.S. natural heritage. They partner with both public and private landowners to solve problems with these sites and attempt to conserve them.

3) The National Natural Landmarks Program offers a number of initiatives each year.
The NNL’s biennial report provides an overview of the program’s efforts for the previous two years as well as information about project successes and new landmarks. Their annual photo contest showcases photos of the landmarks in a wall calendar, and the Natural Landmarks Directory offers a map of the locations of each landmark.

National Natural Landmarks Program [National Park Service]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Allie_Caulfield

May the luck of the Irish be with you! How will you be celebrating today?

Rittenhouse Square Park is a lovely green oasis located at 18th and Walnut streets, in the center of Philadelphia's tony Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The planning for Rittenhouse Square dates back to the original plans of Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin envisioned five green spaces for the citizens of Philadelphia to enjoy, one of these being Rittenhouse Square. Not only is this park rich with history, Rittenhouse Square Park is adjacent to some of the best shopping and dining experiences in the city!

Great for a picnic, relaxing walk, just hanging out, or reading a book on a bench, the park is beautifully landscaped and maintained. Open year-round, the park also hosts many special events including festivals, arts and crafts shows, farmers' markets, concerts, outdoor movie screenings, holiday tree lightings, and the like. Tired from a day of sightseeing? Grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat from a nearby coffee shop and just sit back and people-watch.

There's always something interesting to see at Rittenhouse Square!

Rittenhouse Square
210 Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/rittenhouse-square-park
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60795-d138255-Reviews-Rittenhouse_Square-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania.html

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Gabriel