Recent Stories
Local pioneer, family called island home
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — As the largest marine park in the National Park Service system, Biscayne National Park is prominently known for protecting a portion of the world’s third-largest coral reef. Many tourists, however, don’t know that the park was actually home to the one of greatest African-American pioneers and entrepreneursRead More…
Fascell Visitor Center steals park’s spotlight
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Animals, plant life and outdoor activities such as snorkeling, canoeing and hiking have long been synonymous with national parks. What few people consider, however, is the attraction that is frequented by the greatest number of visitors, rain or shine, winter or spring: its visitor centers. Biscayne NationalRead More…
Treasure trove of wonders await snorkelers
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Surrounded by 95 percent pristine, sapphire water, Biscayne National Park is the ideal destination for local and international visitors looking to get up close and personal with more than the run-of-the-mill coral reef, sea turtle, blue parrotfish and dolphin. “I just want to see what’s under theRead More…
Near islands, Ventura offers many gems
VENTURA, Calif. – – – From its shops to its eateries, Main Street in Downtown Ventura is speckled with hidden finds. “I’ve lived here for almost 25 years,” said Ventura resident Diane Creeley. “I’ve never been to a more genuine town, and honestly, I hate to even leave it.” EarlyRead More…
Smugglers Cove trail provides scenic views
CHANNEL ISLANDS, Calif., — Perhaps Robert Frost had just paid a visit to Santa Cruz before writing “The Road Not Taken.” Hiking from Scorpion Ranch to Smugglers Cove is a pure example of ‘taking the road less traveled by.’ Untouched by modern industry, the trail is laden with uneven rockRead More…
Lodge offers central location for Zion visit
SPRINGDALE, Utah — Imagine waking up and hearing silence. No honking cars, no sirens, not even the sound of a ringing cell phone. Then imagine stepping out onto your balcony and finding yourself surrounded by majestic sandstone mountains. This is a reality for guests of Zion National Park Lodge, operatedRead More…
Park fishing offers chance to slow down
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Even as Eleanor putters her way southward, disregarding the serenity of Biscayne National Park with each gaudy roar from her engine, the two men standing guard over the shore pay no mind. It would appear hard for the fishermen at Convoy Point to disregard such a distraction;Read More…
Zion trails provide scenic experiences
SPRINGDALE, Utah — Thousands of visitors head to Zion National Park each year and hiking is the most popular activity at the park. Every day hundreds head out into the canyons in search of beauty and adventure. With 14 trails to choose from, everyone from seasoned hikers to beginners whoRead More…
Channel Islands geology tells of rich history
CHANNEL ISLANDS–Besides the titillating history of the Channel Islands, many visitors to the area don’t know that the present-day masses were once positioned in another location quite a time ago. Geologists commonly refer to plate tectonics to describe this Pacific Ocean phenomenon. This is a process throughout time whereRead More…
Ranch offers look into movie history
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. —Take a step back in history. Imagine a world where men on horseback lined the old dirt roads, where gunfights and runaway stage carts were the norm, and where local heroes filled the streets. While these images and more can be relived in old Hollywood westerns,Read More…
Whale watching popular activity in Islands
CHANNEL ISLANDS, Calif—Observing the wondrous sea life that roam the Pacific Coast near Santa Barbara and Ventura counts as one of the most exciting moments for those visiting the Channel Islands National Park. Since 1968, Island Packers has organized tourist groups for recreation, education and research purposes. Island PackersRead More…
Smugglers Cove’s history entices visitors
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, Calif.— Along with the island’s nature and visual marvels, Santa Cruz Island shares a history carried on by Ventura’s local residents and Channel Island National Park interpretive rangers. The Chumash were Native Americans that once occupied this land — what they called “Limuw” which means “in theRead More…