As the National Park Service turns 100, Secretary Jewell reflects on its past and future

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. As secretary of the Department of the Interior, Sally Jewell serves as the steward for the national parks, as well as the national wildlife refuges, and upholds trust responsibilities to the 566 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.

In an interview with Tom Fox, Jewell spoke about this month's 100th anniversary, balancing public access and preservation, our obligations to Native Americans--and embracing Pokemon Go.

Fox is a guest writer for On Leadership and the vice president for leadership and innovation at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this August. What is the significance of this anniversary?

A. When you have a milestone like a century of work, it is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on what's happened over the last 100 years and think about what's necessary for the next 100 years. It's really an opportunity to celebrate America's best idea. The centennial has given us a chance to embrace a new generation of people so that they too can care about our parks and public lands.

This post was originally featured on The Washington Post