National Parks Traveler

Lichens, which sprout throughout the National Park System, are the Rodney Dangerfield of the natural world. They just don’t get any respect. Lichenologists likewise don’t garner much recognition for their lifetimes spent poking around the crusty grey stuff on tree trunks. Among others, one intrepid man in California is taking steps to remedy both of those deficiencies.

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By Kirby Adams - December 10th, 2009 3:54am

5 comments

The New River Raisin National Battlefield Park Highlights One of the Bloodiest Conflicts of a Seldom Mentioned War

In January 1813, a British and Indian force destroyed an American army on the north bank of the Raisin River in southeastern Michigan. Now a new national park will commemorate one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812.

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By Bob Janiskee - December 10th, 2009 3:33am

4 comments

Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park Offers Winter Lodging Packages

In the wake of the potent winter storm that swept through the Sierra earlier this week, this offer from the folks at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park seems particularly well-timed.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 10th, 2009 3:26am

2 comments

Should Timpanogos Cave National Monument Replace Switchbacks with Stairs?

Part of the trail that provides access to the cave at Timpanogos Cave National Monument is subject to dangerous rockfalls. Park officials propose replacing switchbacks near the cave exit with stairs to reduce the hazard, and they're accepting public comments on the idea.

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By Jim Burnett - December 10th, 2009 3:21am

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Ecologists at Point Reyes National Seashore Testing Ways to Restore Native Dune Grasses

Ecologists at Point Reyes National Seashore this month are experimenting with ways to remove non-native vegetation that is invading the habitat of native dune plants such as Tidestrom’s lupine.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2009 3:48am

National Park Quiz 75: Potpourri IV

Here’s another grab bag to work through. Answers are at the end. If we catch you peeking, we’ll remind you that cheaters never prosper.

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By Bob Janiskee - October 30th, 2011 12:31pm

1 comment

Reader Participation Day: What Do You Think of Lodging Rates in National Parks?

What do you think of the price of a room in a national park lodge? Too much, too little, or just about right? Are some folks quite literally being priced out of a national park stay?

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2009 3:32am

17 comments

One of The Season's First Christmas Bird Counts is at Wind Cave National Park on Sunday

Barring bad weather, the folks at Wind Cave National Park will be counting birds on Sunday when their annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled to be tallied.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 9th, 2009 3:25am

Tough Times or Wanton Poaching Along the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The sour economy has created tough times across the country. Whether that was behind an apparent poaching incident along the Blue Ridge Parkway is hard to say.