The scenery and attractions of the lofty Blue Ridge Mountain bastion called the High Country are a pinnacle of the Blue Ridge Parkway experience.

It appears little is free from graffiti vandalism, not even age-old saguaro cacti at Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona.

It’s only May, but already the summer wildfire season across much of the West is looking ominous. According to national firefighting officials, already the fire danger is predicted to be above normal across most of Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon and Idaho, as well as across portions of Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.

Nearly $200,000 in funding to help high school teachers and their students gain a better grasp of national parks, and a sense of stewardship for them, has been made possible by the National Park Foundation and the University of Phoenix.