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Gas prices bring concern to parks officials
National park employees may cringe as gas prices keep rising, the economy still struggles to rebound, and the idea of the “staycation” becomes more common among American households. As of April 2011, the national average for gasoline was $3.879 per gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the American AutomobileRead More…
Youth programs focus on history, nature
Every day children all across the country enjoy the opportunity to explore America’s national parks through a multitude of youth programs. These programs differ in style, but all have the same main focus: educating children about history and nature. “Youth programs are key to children’s education,” said Rachelle Daigneault, chiefRead More…
Hiking offers pristine views, wildlife
ESTES PARK, Colo. — At high noon, the blue sky breathes in cool steady wind. The cirrus clouds offer a thin layer of contrast to the pure sky, interrupted by welcomed subdued sunrays. Lower your gaze, and you are enveloped by blankets of snow. White, untouched, soft snow — theRead More…
Lightning, smoking bring wildfires into parks
Each year, thousands of wildfires occur, destroying forests, animal habitats, properties, and even pieces of national parks. Although the main cause of wildfires is lightning, man-made causes such as campfires and cigarettes are becoming a bigger issue. Whether from an unattended campfire to an automobile passenger tossing his or herRead More…
Wildlife plentiful during day’s visit to park
ESTES PARK, Colo. — The natural residents of Rocky Mountain National Park are as free as its visitors. They roam, fly, swim, graze, fight and perch with a liveliness as untamed as the land they call home. Because it is illegal to hunt, feed or harass the animals inside ofRead More…
Hostel offers affordable housing near park
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — For many tourists visiting Everglades National Park, a daytrip just isn’t enough to experience all there is to offer. But for some, the desire to extend their trips just isn’t financially possible. That’s why, since 1997, Everglades International Hostel has offered an affordable option to thousandsRead More…
Enclosures manage elk, protect vegetation
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Vast meadows, snowy mountain tops that soar sky-high and hilltop views worthy of screensavers are all what tourists expect to see when they enter Rocky Mountain National Park. What don’t they expect to see? Large man-made fences with “keep gates closed” signs plastered on their sides.Read More…
Robert is Here offers treats for visitors
FLORIDA CITY, Fla.—Though the face of Florida City has changed immensely since the 1960s, there’s one landmark that has stayed the same. Robert is Here is a family-owned fruit stand offering not only farm-fresh produce, but also an array of special activities. Visitors from near and far can’t help butRead More…
Exotic mangroves, unique bay encounters
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Biscayne National Park holds a great deal of natural and human history and is credited for many ecological and mythological discoveries. Amongst the most memorable and fascinating are the bay’s exotic mangroves, extraordinary encounters with wildlife and everyday experiences. The mangroves have a sacred history within BiscayneRead More…
Floridians can enjoy ‘staycation’ by bay
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Sometimes I feel like we forget that we go to school in South Florida. We get so caught up with Richter and Greek life and the Grove, facets of our college experience virtually indistinguishable from any other school, to realize that we walk to class on pathwaysRead More…
Snowy Hidden Valley offers adventure
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Hidden Valley, a 1,200-acre ski area in Rocky Mountain National Park, has somewhat an emblematic past. During the past century, it has transitioned from a proving ground for self-taught skiers to a hotspot for Estes Park tourism to its present status, as far as can beRead More…
Park offers tours of Maritime Heritage Trail
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Florida’s Biscayne National Park will be offering ranger-guided snorkel trips to selected sites of the Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail. This new attraction will allow park visitors to explore the remains of some of the park’s many shipwrecks. “After months of planning, Biscayne National Park will be offeringRead More…