It’s sometimes said that national parks “tell America’s story.” Of course, lots of sites outside the National Park System also tell America’s story. From the geographical perspective, none of these “other sites” is more interesting than Chicago Portage National Historic Site, an Affiliated Area that celebrates its 56th anniversary today.

Winter is one of the easiest seasons to follow the movements of wildlife in the national parks. Not only can their every move be captured in the snow, but on rare occasions you can follow the interplay between animals.

Would it be blasphemy to suggest that Yosemite National Park get out of the ski business?

Well, here it is, January 1. Out with 2008, in with 2009. And that means it's time to look ahead to the new year and dream about what we'd like to see happen across the National Park System in the coming 12 months.