The approximately 15 million visitors expected this year on the Blue Ridge Parkway—the most visited unit of the national park system—will find fewer ranger-led walks and talks, reduced facilities at campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, and perhaps a shorter full-service season. Superintendent Phil Francis says the goal is limiting the impact on visitors.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis have announced the designation of 13 new national historic landmarks, including an Alabama bridge that was the site of “Bloody Sunday” during the civil rights movement.

It's been proven that spending time in nature helps ground us. To that end, a group of war veterans are heading out on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to "Walk Off the War."

Creating a conservation strategy for the Southern Canadian Rockies between Glacier National Park in the United States and Banff National Park in Canada would help wildlife endure climate change, according to a report from the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.