Recent Stories
Lulu tour tells all about that lobster dinner
BAR HARBOR, Maine — As hungry tourists raise tender, buttery forkfuls of Maine lobster to their lips, they are probably unaware that it took about eight years to grow. They probably don’t know the mechanics of how it swam and they probably don’t examine the claws to determine which isRead More…
Memorials honor special people, places
Less than 24 hours had passed since graduation celebrations took place at the University of Miami in 1996, before a flight carrying five members from the UM community crashed just north of Everglades National Park and killed all on board. Nearly two years after the crash, a memorial was establishedRead More…
Park program launched for birders
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For any South Floridian interested in birding, Biscayne National Park has just the thing. With the help of the Tropical Audubon Society, the park recently launched the Biscayne Birding Trail. The program encourages both veteran birders and rookies to bird-watch while earning certificates for the list ofRead More…
Park works to recover from storm, closings
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — On the surface, Biscayne National Park has everything anyone could ever want. It has fishing activities, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, art shows and boat excursions. That is at least what it advertises. Recently, however, the park has gone through some difficult moments that have affected some ofRead More…
Sighting an elusive panther is visitors’ goal
OCHOPEE, Fla. – The murky, placid shallows of Big Cypress National Preserve are quiet. Sounds of booted footfalls are barely heard, muffled by dense mangroves and the thick mud of the terrestrial Everglades. Suddenly, a flash of light brown is seen as a white-tailed deer bursts onto the path, scamperingRead More…
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…