Most snowshoes made these days have decking made out of Hypalon, a synthetic rubber fabric. But if you head to Voyageurs National Park in late January, you can be schooled in the art of lacing snowshoes the old-fashioned way, with rawhide.

Across the National Park System there are millions of privately held acres that fall within the boundaries of national parks. Recently, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was able to acquire one small parcel that otherwise might have been developed. Voyageurs National Park is just one other example where efforts are ongoing to acquire inholdings.

While every day of the year offers opportunities to explore the National Park System and learn something about this unique collection of properties, once a year the president proclaims "National Park Week" with hopes folks will get out and enjoy the parks. This year that week starts Saturday, April 18, and runs through next Saturday, April 26.