Pollutants such as antifreeze and motor oil found in surface runoff from parking areas are a big concern for caves, and a project at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is tackling the problem in a way that's attracting positive attention. The effort has been selected as one of the first in the world in a pilot program called SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative).

Small historical parks are often overlooked as possible locations for easy park hikes, and that's a shame, because many of them offer some fine opportunities. That's definitely the case at Carl Sandburg Home National Historical Site in North Carolina, which includes both an easy hike or two plus just a little exercise on a nice network of trails.

At Congaree National Park, a surprise disclosure prompts Ranger Fran to modify his Owl Prowl introductory spiel. It's the ethical thing to do.

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