Record flooding that swept down the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky knocked the park's ferry out of service.

A year after surging to a 25-year population high, the number of endangered Devils Hole pupfish at Death Valley National Park has crashed as a result of two recent earthquakes, according to the National Park Service. However, biologists say the population is on the road to recovery.

Creeks, streams, and rivers provide a sense of place, a grounding at times, an identity for surrounding communities. They provide a recreational outlet, and can provide food, but often it's that sense of place that roots deepest. Hurricane Helene disrupted all that when it swept out of Gulf of Mexico and reached deep into southern Appalachia.

Your cash is no good at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is only accepting mobile or electronic payments for entrance, camping, and permit fees. In explaining the move, the park says transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, allows for reservations and prepayment, and improves accountability.