The annual summer census of bison in Yellowstone National Park shows there are roughly 3,300 bison in the park's two bison herds, a number that is up a bit from a year earlier but far below the nearly 5,000 bison counted four summers ago.

A trip to Zion National Park later this fall is becoming a bit more affordable, courtesy of a special rate at Zion Lodge in honor of the park's centennial anniversary this year.

Set aside September 26 to enjoy the national parks. That's National Public Lands Day across the country, and many parks are offering special events and activities. Oh, and entrance fees to the parks on that Saturday are being waived, too.

It may be the prettiest NPS site you've never heard of, but that's likely to change. This park will be one of those featured by the U. S. Mint in the recently announced "America the Beautiful Quarters" series, and the next six weeks could be the best season of the year to visit this area.