A preserve is a place that is kept from harm, set aside so that future generations will have a chance to see wildlife in a natural setting. Preserve managers try to teach people about natural processes that have made the land what it is. They also explain natural and scientific features to visitors.
Preserves are either publicly or privately held lands.
L.C.R.A. Publicly held lands are part of the national, state, or local park systems and are managed and funded by the Department of the Interior, State Parks and Recreation and Wildlife Department, or local funds. Neighboring Hamilton Pool is an example of a publicly held local preserve. The first National Park in the world was Yellowstone, set aside in 1872. The National Park System currently preserves 300 areas totaling 125,000 square miles. Besides the park systems, there is the National Wildlife Refuge System which was established in 1966 and presently includes over 450 refuges.