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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service Show Citizens Can Make a Big Difference for Parks

In the National Park Service, the acronym "VIP" usually stands for "Volunteers in Parks," but recent awards confirm an alternative meaning could be "Very Impressive Performance." The recipients of the 2009 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service were honored at a recent ceremony, and their work was impressive indeed.

Environmental, Cultural Center Proposed at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Core to the mission of the National Park Service is opening the eyes of visitors to the wonders that can be found within the National Park System. At Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, officials hope to expand their efforts in that arena through construction of an environmental and cultural center at the King Gillette Ranch.

Rediscovering the Lowly Lichen across the National Park System

Lichens, which sprout throughout the National Park System, are the Rodney Dangerfield of the natural world. They just don’t get any respect. Lichenologists likewise don’t garner much recognition for their lifetimes spent poking around the crusty grey stuff on tree trunks. Among others, one intrepid man in California is taking steps to remedy both of those deficiencies.

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

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