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Whale watching tours provide wildlife views
BAR HARBOR, Maine— Just outside of the harbor I can hear the constant hum of an engine. The vast, blue ocean extends to the horizon with outlines of mountains and lighthouses in the distance, while the harsh wind whips through my hair, making me feel unsteady Over the hum, IRead More…
Everglades offers bird watching, hiking fun
HOMESTEAD, Fla–Bird watching and hiking are two activities that are often stereotyped as an activity for overly enthusiastic nature lovers. Yet, at Everglades National Park, participating in these activities is exceedingly easy for first-timers, while still being very enjoyable for those who are seasoned experts. The 1.5 million acre park’sRead More…
Saltwater intrusion threatens Florida parks
Climate change, pollution, rising sea levels and the warming of the oceans have been in the news for quite some time now. And yet it is a threat that seems distant and abstract, a phenomenon that the general public is aware of, but can’t really quantify. Something that doesn’t hitRead More…
Junior Ranger Program popular with youth
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Were you worried that your little one might not enjoy his or her visit to Biscayne National Park as much as you will? What if you said he or she could become a Junior Ranger? Wouldn’t that change his or her mind? One of the most popularRead More…
Kayakers enjoy scenery, sunset off coast
BAR HARBOR, Maine — With temperatures in the low 50s just before sunset, couples paired up and gathered their gear. Life vests, wind breakers, aqua shoes and spray skirts in tow, the crew gathered on the dock with their instructor preparing for another look at Acadia National Park. At right,Read More…
Rock Pinelands natural beauty disappearing
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – When he was six years old, Leon Howell’s father gave him the night sky. He showed Howell how to use the family’s telescope, merging his small, childish world with the world of science. His interest piqued, Howell, now 65, never looked back. Scientific studies of allRead More…
Concession closes, park provides options
HOMESTEAD, Fla.—For Brenda Vernon, Biscayne National Park was visit number 39 out of the 59 national parks. However her visit was limited because she didn’t have a boat. In October, the concession in charge of boat tours, snorkeling and scuba dives to the different islands went out of business, leavingRead More…
Popular with visitors, lionfish a problem
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — As it turns out, one of Biscayne National Park’s main attractions today, is also one of its biggest problems. The park, which is 95 percent water, was initially set aside to preserve the natural and cultural resources that lie beneath the ocean. Within that responsibility, Biscayne NationalRead More…
Park hosts Alternative Break cleanup
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – While some college students spend their spring break partying on South Beach, others prefer to use the week off to be productive. Biscayne National Park’s (BNP) Alternative Break program offers these students the opportunity to participate in a nationwide initiative to commit to “a substance-free, service-oriented experience.”Read More…
Acadia carriage trails popular with bicyclists
BAR HARBOR, Maine – Let’s all take this time to say “thank you” to the creator of Acadia National Park’s famous carriage roads, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Not only did he make biking possible in the national park, but he also made it one of the top bike riding parksRead More…
Efforts underway to clean Grand Canyon air
The Navajo Generating Station emissions continue to pollute the Grand Canyon air. Grand Canyon National Park is the one of the most affected. Its main South Rim Village Visitor Center is located just 70 miles by air to the west of the coal-fired power plant, located in Page, Ariz. ClickRead More…
Urban sprawl has growing impact on parks
The extent to which humans affect the environment is largely underestimated. To help conserve the environment, the United States government has designated 59 areas as national parks and has assigned an agency to protect these areas. Although these areas are supposed to be safe from the negative influences of humans,Read More…