National Parks Traveler

Earlier this month you no doubt heard that America's 15-year-olds' science scores, when compared to those of their peers in other countries, were just average. How might they be improved? Well, if your daughter or son enjoy visiting national parks, nudge them in the direction of a career as a scientist working in the parks.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 18th, 2013 2:25am

Winter Steam Days Coming To Golden Spike National Historic Site

Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah will be holding its annual Winter Steam Days on December 28, 29 and 30 this year.

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By Lee Dalton - December 18th, 2013 1:00am

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Birding In The National Parks: What Are 'Important Bird Areas'?

As reported here Sunday, the National Audubon Society designated areas around Canyonlands National Park a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA). Parts of more than 15 other national parks are included in the Global IBA system.

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By Kirby Adams - December 17th, 2013 3:19am

NPS Releases Concession Prospectus For Mesa Verde National Park

The National Park Service recently released a prospectus for concession operations at Mesa Verde National Park that for the last 32 years have been managed by ARAMARK.

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By David and Kay Scott - December 17th, 2013 3:18am

Christmas Bird Count Coming To Theodore Roosevelt National Park Saturday

Fresh air and birding are on tap this Saturday at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the annual Christmas Bird Count will be conducted in the park's South Unit.

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By NPT Staff - December 17th, 2013 2:56am

Four-Acre Slice Of Civil War History Saved At Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Though not quite 4 acres in size, a parcel of land on the western end of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park long has been treasured by the National Park Service for the Civil War battle that raged on that land. Today that land has been protected from development and eventually will be added to the park.

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By NPT Staff - December 17th, 2013 2:55am

Former Mount Rainier National Park Employee Guilty Of Violating Clean Water Act

A former Mount Rainier National Park employee has been found guilty of violating the Clean Water Act, a felony, for letting nearly 200,000 gallons of sewage flow into the Nisqually River.

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By NPT Staff - December 17th, 2013 2:22am

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It's Been A Tough Year For Rocky Mountain National Park

As Rocky Mountain National Park and highway officials ponder what to do about reopening the Alluvial Fan area and Old Fall River Road following the destruction wrought by the September floods that scoured so much of Colorado’s Front Range, it is worth noting that Bear Lake Road easily survived the floods.

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By Claire M. Walter - December 16th, 2013 2:31am

"Vital Signs" Report Tracks Status Of Wildlife In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a fully functioning ecosystem, one constantly in motion as wildlife populations ebb and flow, climate slowly changes, and geologic processes continue. Details of some of those changes are reflected in the park's 2013 Natural Resource Vital Signs report.

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By NPT Staff - December 16th, 2013 2:30am

Seasonal Rangers Who Said They Lost Jobs For Blowing The Whistle Win Their Case

Bruce and Sara Schundler, who alleged they lost their seasonal jobs as rangers at Mesa Verde National Park for bringing attention to suspect spending by the park's superintendent, have been vindicated by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.