Nearly 140 years after Yellowstone became the world's first national park, we still don't know enough about it to properly manage all its natural resources. But then, as a dynamic, multi-faceted ecosystem, one affected by many internal and external drivers, is that surprising? Perhaps it should be.

The last time I visited Badlands National Park was back in 1963. I remember a twisty labyrinth of narrow canyons, spires, and geologic formations reminiscent of Bryce or Cedar Breaks, soft crumbly sedimentary rock that in many places erodes too quickly for plants to put down roots. Vistas that stretched from the high plateau along the north of the park out to the southern plains. Sagebrush, prairie dogs, and antelope

As part of the celebration surrounding National Public Lands Day and the official roll-out of Ken Burns' documentary on national parks, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island will be open for evening tours on September 24 and 25th.

Ahh, the Internet age. Thanks to its existence, you can now apply for a spot in one of the High Sierra backcountry camps in Yosemite National Park via the Internet.