Near the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park is a curious ash flow deposit of unknown origin. Geologists from Montana State University took on the challenge of solving the mystery.

Campgrounds and roads closed Monday in Great Smoky Mountains Natinoal Park due to a forecast calling for "dangerously high winds" and extreme fire danger.

Since announcing four weeks ago that the National Parks Traveler would be shutting down due to insufficient money to keep it afloat, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and concern for the Traveler's future. I deeply appreciate this outreach, and it is gratifying to know that over the past 18 years so many readers have appreciated our unique journalistic endeavor.

National Park Service directors face many challenges in lifting the morale of their far-flung workforce, which has been dispirited by low pay, poor housing, and confounding leadership.