Time is running out to explore Rocky Mountain National Park via the Old Fall River Road, which is scheduled to close for maintenance on October 10. Winter closure likely won't be too far behind once heavy snows arrive.

Clouded sulfur? Mormon fritillary? Hoary comma? I had never heard of such intriguing creatures before last month, but the Rocky Mountain BioBlitz put me in close proximity to all three. No fear factor or injuries sustained. Just a stroll in a sub-alpine meadow in an effort to inventory butterflies.

Are there any pieces of music that remind you of a national park – or a park experience? Some compositions, such as Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite, have clear connections to a park. Others, such as "Rocky Mountain High," might bring to mind a specific park - or a whole state with lots of great parks. How about you? Do you have any favorite songs that you associate with national parks?

Searching for bugs, butterflies, and beetles, along with countless other species, at Rocky Mountain National Park will be one of the highlights of Founder's Day, August 25, when the National Park Service turns 96.