When and why did the idea of national parks emerge in American history? Several creation myths, or “campfire tales” as Diamant and Carr call them, have been embraced by historians and government officials. Among them are the discussion around the campfire at Madison Junction on the Yellowstone Plateau during the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition broaching the idea, which was then promoted by Langford on behalf of the Northern Pacific Railroad and resulted in the creation of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park.

A beautiful, multi-million-dollar restoration of an early 20th century mansion that had been rotting away in places has landed the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the National Park Service the 2022 Public Lands Partner Award from the Public Lands Alliance.

Garbage can be turned into art. At least that's the plan at Cape Cod National Seashore, where the National Park Service and the Center for Coastal Studies is seeking someone to create an outdoor marine debris art exhibition at the seashore.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont beginning Friday, June 3 through Friday, June 10. The public may apply for the limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle pass through www.recreation.gov. The lottery opens for vehicle pass applications on Friday, April 29, at 10 a.m. through Tuesday, May 3, at 10 a.m. All applications, regardless of the time or date of entry, are considered equally in the pool of lottery applicants.