National Parks Traveler

Ranking anything is highly subjective. Nevertheless, the following stories from the national parks rose above most others in 2012. They range from the tragedy of a Mount Rainier National Park ranger gunned down in the line of duty on New Year's Day to the ongoing struggle over the future of an oyster farm at Point Reyes National Seashore.

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By NPT Staff - December 31st, 2012 2:48am

On The Lighter Side In The National Parks In 2012

A few stories from the National Park System stood out this past year because, well, because they cast a light on the lighter side of life in the parks

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By NPT Staff - December 31st, 2012 2:40am

Parks Beyond Borders: Sri Lanka's National Parks Report Record Visitor Income

International tourism in Sri Lanka is spelling good news for the nation’s national parks. While Africa’s national park proponents discuss ways to increase tourism and reduce poaching that’s alarming the world and threatening to eliminate some species—Sri Lanka’s parks are reporting record income from visitors.

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By Randy Johnson - December 30th, 2012 7:39am

Discriminating Explorer: Richmond, Virginia—An Epicenter Of Civil War Sesquicentennial Travel

Surrounded by battlefield parks, Richmond’s history transcends any single Civil War anniversary you might try to coincide with. Best plan—get to Richmond when the getting’s good and there’s more than enough to see and do to turn a “national park vacation” into a true historical travel experience.

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By Randy Johnson - December 30th, 2012 5:12am

National Park Service Buys 86 Acres Of Wyoming Lands Surrounded By Grand Teton National Park

Slowly, but surely, the National Park Service is whittling away at the amount of Wyoming-owned lands that lie within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park.

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By NPT Staff - December 30th, 2012 2:49am

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Consider Making A Charitable Donation To The National Park Friends Group Of Your Choice

Monday is the last day to make a charitable, deductible, donation to the national park friends group of your choice for the 2012 tax year -- and maybe forever, depending on how Congress resolves the nation's budgetary problems.

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 30th, 2012 2:21am

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Christmas Bird Count Coming....In January

Planning to be in West Texas early next month? If so, consider heading over to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to join in the park's annual Christmas Bird Count.

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By NPT Staff - December 29th, 2012 2:07am

Registration For Field Courses In Denali National Park Opens January 9

Winter months are planning months (unless you can escape to a warm, sandy location). And beginning January 9, you'll be able to start planning a summer journey to Denali National Park and Preserve for a field seminar hosted by Alaska Geographic.

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By NPT Staff - December 28th, 2012 2:58am

Still Time To Join A Yellowstone Association Institute Course This Winter

If you have some time on your hands, a hankering for natural sciences, and always wanted to visit Yellowstone National Park winter, here's your chance.

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By NPT Staff - December 28th, 2012 2:48am

A Year Of Birding In The National Parks

Kirby Adams ranged far afield in the national parks looking for birds in 2012, relating his experiences that took him all the way north, and a bit east, to Newfound in Canada. Let's take a look back at those columns.