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Preserving Natural Soundscapes In The National Parks

The National Park Service (NPS) Management Policy defines natural soundscapes as “the unimpaired sounds of nature”, something to be preserved, and cherished by those visiting the parks. Think of serene, trickling creeks, cheeping robins, chirping marmots and the lullaby of crickets when dusk sweeps over your favorite park. The NPS protects these natural and cultural sounds that affect the emotions, attitudes and memories of park visitors.

Key Concessions Contracts Up At Yosemite National Park, Along Blue Ridge Parkway

The coming months could tell whether Xanterra Parks & Resorts and Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts are both still in an acquisition mode, or will look to stand pat, as concessions opportunities are weighed in Yosemite National Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Creature Feature: Wandering Wolverines

Is that a black bear cub? A badger? No, it’s a wolverine! Wolverines have distinct color patterns on their face, neck and chest making each individual animal unique, and are referred to as “skunk bears” by the Blackfeet Indians. Though their appearance leads most to believe them to be a relative of bears, they are the largest members of the weasel (mustelidae) family that exclusively live on land.

Yosemite Nature Notes: Bird Songs Out In The Park

Wander down any trail in a national park, or simply sit back in a meadow, and you'll be serenaded by birds. But can you name those birds by song or appearance? Throughout Yosemite National Park, unique soundscapes can be found within the beautiful landscapes. Videographer Steven M. Bumgardner took his cameras and microphones out into the park to capture those birdsongs in this video.