Illustrating America's Natural Heritage

Sites are designated as national natural landmarks in recognition of specific biological communities, geological landforms or processes, or paleontological resources. The outstanding resources at these sites tell the geological and ecological story of America. To draw attention to and spur learning and appreciation of America’s natural heritage, this page provides an introduction to some of the different natural features that can be found across the country. Newly created artwork pieces portray and celebrate the beauty and diversity of each of these natural features.
Artwork of gull in tidal pool with sea stars
Marine Environments

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their marine environments.

Artwork of bobcat with flower in mountains
Chaparral

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their chaparral ecosystems.

Artwork of salamander in cave entrance
Caves

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their cave ecology.

Artwork of lobster in coral reef
Coral Islands, Reefs, and Atolls

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their coral islands, reefs, or atolls.

Artwork of pink spoonbill bird in magrove swamp
Tropical Ecosystems

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their tropical ecosystems.

graphic of bird on rocks
Tundra

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their tundra ecosystems.

Graphic drawing of antelope in yellow grass
Plateaus and Mesas

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their plateaus and mesas.

Graphic art of white rabbit in snow with evergreen trees and sunset
Boreal

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their boreal ecosystems.

Graphic art of frog and lily pads in pond with trees in backgroud.
Lakes and Ponds

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their lake and pond ecosystems.

Graphic art of beetle on sand dune
Eolian

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their eolian ecosystems.

Graphic art of fish underwater in stream
Rivers and Streams

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their rivers and stream.

Graphic art of fox in forest
Forests

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their forest ecosystems.

Graphic art of dinosaurs walking and leaving footprints
Fossils

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their fossil resources.

graphic drawing of underwater crab and egret standing in shallow water with grass in background
Estuaries

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for their estuaries.

graphic of pitcher plants and dragonfly
Bogs

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for bog ecosystems.

manatee and fish underwater
Springs

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for springs and spring ecosystems.

Three otters swimming with glacier and snow covered mountain in background
Glaciers

View the artwork and learn about NNLs designated for glacial landscapes and features.

Graphic of birds on sandy beach with tall grass
Seashores

Explore some national natural landmarks with seashore landscapes and features.

Graphic of bear with flowers and mountain in background
Mountains

Explore some national natural landmarks with mountain landscapes and features.

artwork of a lizard on a rock with a desert backdrop
Deserts

Explore some national natural landmarks with desert landscapes and features.

artwork of a bluebird on the ground with a volcano in the background
Volcanoes

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with volcanic landscapes and features.

artwork of a moose in a pool of water at the bottom of a waterfall
Waterfalls

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with waterfalls.

artwork of 2 silhouetted people wearing headlamps inside a cave
Caves

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with caves.

artwork of a turtle on a log in a swamp
Swamps

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with swamps.

artwork of a prairie dog standing upright on a mound with a sunset in the background
Prairies

Explore some National Natural Landmarks with prairie landscapes and features.

Limited Permission for Non-Commercial Use of the National Natural Landmarks Program Logo, and Illustrating America's National Heritage Artwork by Site Owners/Managers/Official Partners

The black and white logo (and any NPS-produced color-modified versions) is the official logo (Logo) for the National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program. Additionally, the NNL Program commissioned Graphic Artist Dennis Caldwell to create unique pieces that artistically represent the diverse biological and geological features represented at NNL sites into a series known as the Illustrating America's Natural Heritage Artwork (Artwork). While the copyright to the original artistic work is now in the public domain, the NNL logo, an NPS trademark, is incorporated into the Artwork.

The National Parks Service (NPS), through the NNL Program, grants permission for NNL site Owners, Managers, and Official Partners to use the Logo and Artwork for educational or promotional uses that align with the program mission as follows:
  • Increasing awareness and understanding of NNL sites, designation, and the program,
  • Publicizing conservation efforts and involvement in the program,
  • Enhancing educational and scientific value and appreciation of natural history, or
  • Fostering recognition and support for conservation
For the purposes of these permissions, Official Partners is defined as those with a recognized relationship with the NNL Program or with an NNL site and working directly with site Owners and Managers. Neither the stand-alone Logo nor the Logo and associated text as incorporated into the Artwork may be modified or altered in any manner. Use of the stand-alone Logo must always be in conjunction with the program name or the official name of the designated NNL site. This permission is non-exclusive and limited to non-commercial uses. Any use of the Logo or Artwork shall not imply a false association with or endorsement by the NPS or associate the NPS or NNL Program with a vice activity. Use of the Logo or Artwork shall immediately cease upon request of the NPS. For high resolution versions of the Logo or Artwork, NNL Owners, Managers, or Official Partners should contact their appropriate regional coordinator.

Limited Permission for Commercial Use of the Illustrating America's Natural Heritage Artwork by Site Owners/Managers/Official Partners

The NPS, through the NNL Program, grants permission for NNL site Owners, Managers, and Official Partners to use the Artwork (that contains the Logo) for commercial purposes, such as incorporation into a clothing item or coffee mug, consistent with the terms and program mission as described here, and in the section above. This permission is non-exclusive.

For purposes of these permissions, Official Partners is defined as those with a recognized relationship with the NNL Program or with an NNL site and working directly with site Owners and Managers. In cases where an Official Partner proposes a use that is affiliated with a particular NNL site, it must include approval/concurrence from the relevant site Owner or Manager. The NNL Program retains discretion to approve commercial use requests from any other person or entity on a case-by-case basis.

Where the Artwork is used for commercial purposes, it is encouraged, when possible and appropriate, to use American-made or designed products, handicrafts, specialty, regional, and local products, American Indian art and crafts, and environmentally sustainable merchandise. The maintenance of the high quality of the services, materials, products, and merchandise produced, sold, or otherwise prepared for public dissemination of the Artwork are necessary to maintain the distinctiveness of the NNL Logo, the image of the NPS brand, and the image and high quality of the services, materials, products, and merchandise bearing the Logo.

Any commercial use of the Artwork shall not imply a false association with or endorsement by the NPS or associate the NPS or NNL Program with a vice activity. The NNL Logo and associated text may not be modified or altered in any manner from how it originally appears on the Artwork. Use of the Artwork containing the Logo shall immediately cease upon request from the NPS. For high resolution versions of the Artwork, NNL Owners, Managers, or Official Partners should contact the appropriate regional coordinator.

Last updated: April 10, 2025

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