Objectives  National parks play a crucial role in China's natural protected area system, serving as invaluable repositories of nature education resources. However, environmental education in our national parks is still in its early stage and could benefit from drawing upon international best practices to advance its future development in China.

  Methods  The methods used in this study included literature research, field investigations, and comparative studies, allowing us to delve into the specific practices of environmental education. Through the analysis and comparison of personnel allocation, educational facilities, curriculum design, teaching methodologies, educational content, and target audience in Yellowstone National Park in the United States and Three-River-Source National Park in China to gain insights.

  Results  The implementation of environmental education in Yellowstone National Park mai relied mainly on forest rangers and dedicated volunteers. The educational facilities were inclusive and egalitarian, with well-aligned curriculum and educational standards. The content is comprehensive and the teaching methods diverse, reaching a wide range of audiences. However, community involvement and education quality could be improved. In contrast, the environmental education in Three-River-Source National Park was based on local communities and non-governmental organizations, resulting in high-quality environmental education. However, challenges such as inadequate personnel, lack of clear curriculum standards, and limited audience outreach needed to be addressed.

  Conclusions  By contrasting the differences in environmental education implementation between the two national parks, we can identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. Suggestions were proposed for strengthening the development of the environmental education workforce, improving educational facilities, developing a systematic environmental education curriculum, and audience outreach through various channels. These suggestions aimed to enhance public awareness and participation in nature conservation and contribute to the goal of sustainable development.