If you've ever walked through a national park, hiked down a trail, backpacked into wilderness, or paddled a wild and scenic stream, pause and give a minute of thanks for Stewart Udall.

When Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in Tampa Bay in 1539 he didn't probably have a kayak, but those watercraft are a great way for present-day visitors to explore the waters of De Soto National Memorial. New ranger-guided kayak tours of the Florida park are now being offered on Saturday mornings. Here's how to sign up for a tour.

With peregrine falcons once again staking out their nesting territories in Acadia National Park, it's time for park officials to enforce some temporary trail closures to give the raptors some peace.

A reservation and fee system is being considered in Voyageurs National Park for 17 campsites on the interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula. Park officials are taking public comment on the proposal through May 1.