Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's military and commercial roots date back to 1824, but 163 years of U. S. Army activities at the post have come to an end with the transfer of the East and South Vancouver Barracks to the National Park Service.

Yellowstone National Park's bison herds have grown by nearly 14 percent over 2011 numbers, with most of the animals found across the park's northern range.

Ahhhh, the good quizmeister must have eased back on the throttle last month, as we had 40 readers qualify to win a copy of Andrew Skurka's The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail.

As Congress continues to look for ways to cut federal spending, non-profit organizations such as the Yellowstone Park Foundation are becoming invaluable for the direct funding they provide the national parks. Often without their help trails would go without maintenance, wildlife research would dip, and facilities would deteriorate.