Birdwatchers in search of herons, bitterns, ducks, and kingfishers could consider a beaver pond to be promising territory, but they might not expect to find either the birds or the pond in the West Texas desert. Big Bend National Park offers all that and more for visitors with the reopening a boardwalk across a beaver pond on the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.

This week the Traveler offers you a series of stories to help you enjoy the coming months in the national parks. We'll take a look at some great lodges to call home for your visit, point out some cold-weather -- and warm-weather -- parks to enjoy (and how to enjoy them), touch on seasonal wildlife moves, and even offer some suggestions on how to stay safe in the parks.

A nearly year-long review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office determined that while environmental regulations at times slowed Border Patrol operations in the Southwest, a strong majority of agents-in-charge "reported that the overall security status of their jurisdiction is not affected by land management laws."

At 7,832 feet, Emory Peak is the highest point in Big Bend National Park. The hike to the top of Emory Peak is now easier on both people and the terrain, thanks to a recently completed multi-year project to reroute the popular trail.