Two small fires were burning Friday morning in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park, where firefighters were hiking in to attack the blazes.

America's national parks contain many cherished treasures. Among them are captivating natural sounds and awe-inspiring night skies. Seeing the Milky Way or a particular constellation can be inspirational for park visitors. In Rocky Mountain National Park, as in other parks, natural darkness of starry skies is an important resource of this special place. Rocky Mountain National Park invites you to celebrate darkness.

With a rudderless helm, overcrowded parks, and insufficient resources, these are trying times for the National Park System, the National Park Service, and park visitors.

The staff of Rocky Mountain National Park invite you to celebrate World Ranger Day as they recognize world conservation areas, and the professional staff – the rangers – that form the "Thin Green Line" around these most valuable resources. The free program will be held on Tuesday, July 31, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium.