The arrival of the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, will be marked at Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico with a special luminaria event involving 2,000 glowing luminaria.

Can you tell the difference between the Eastern Screech Owl and the Barred Owl just from their hoots? On December 14 a program at Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee will revolve around the differences in their calls and looking for them in the park.

Now this would be an interesting trip. Imagine going to both Zion and Grand Canyon national parks on the same winter road trip? It won't necessarily be easy, but there are some lodging offers out there that can make it a little easier on your wallet.

What's Jim Vekasi been doing the past 20 years at Acadia National Park? The short answer is, a lot!