National Parks Traveler

Missing From the System? Valles Caldera National Preserve

After years when few additions have been made to the National Park System, many important places are poised to be added. A huge dormant volcano in northern New Mexico might well become the first addition under the Obama administration.

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January 8th, 2010

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Repairing Paradise: The Restoration Of Nature in America's National Parks

"Repairing Paradise." That's a somewhat inauspicious title for a book that examines how to restore natural settings in the national parks. But in light of many scenarios that are playing out across the National Park System -- from parks being overrun by elk, deer, and even people to ecosystem subterfuge -- repairs are exactly what need to be made.

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 8th, 2010 3:16am

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By Bob Janiskee - January 7th, 2010 2:54pm

National Park Mystery Plant 5 Revealed: It’s the Red Baneberry

Did you identify the red baneberry as the mystery plant in yesterday’s quiz? Here are some more interesting facts about this widely-distributed plant and its toxic effects.

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By Bob Janiskee - January 7th, 2010 2:54pm

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Winter Storm Closes Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive and Some Sections of Blue Ridge Parkway

A major winter storm has created hazardous driving conditions in the three major Appalachian parks. All of Skyline Drive and some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have been closed. Great Smoky's Newfound Gap Road is subject to closures at night due to ice.

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January 7th, 2010

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Rangers to Lead Snowshoe, Ski Tours of Cedar Breaks National Monument on Saturday

If you're within the vicinity of Cedar Breaks National Monument this coming Saturday, you might want to join the rangers there for a snowshoe hike or cross-country ski tour of the colorful monument.

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January 7th, 2010

Counting Cacti In Saguaro National Park

Much as the bison is to Yellowstone National Park, the saguaro cactus is to Saguaro National Park. Tall, spiny, and handsome, the noble saguaro was the impetus behind the creation of Saguaro National Park, and reigns today as that park's icon. With hopes of ensuring it stays that way, every decade Saguaro officials launch a "Saguaro Census" to track the health of this cacti population. And if you don't mind heat or walking, you're invited to help out.

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January 7th, 2010

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January is Volcano Awareness Month at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park this month? Then check out the roster of activities that have been arranged to celebrate "Volcano Awareness Month" in the park.

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January 7th, 2010

By Bob Janiskee - January 7th, 2010 8:18am

National Park Mystery Plant 5: Admire the Flowers, but for Goodness Sake, Don’t Eat the Berries!

Do you like to pick berries along the trail so you can enjoy a tasty treat? Well, if you nibble this plant’s berries, you’ll wish you hadn’t.

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By Bob Janiskee - January 7th, 2010 8:18am

4 comments

Reader Participation Day: Are Our National Parks Losing Their Relevancy?

Have our national parks lost their relevancy? I raise that question because on one hand we saw an upwelling of interest last fall when The National Parks: America's Best Idea, riveted many to their televisions for six consecutive nights, and yet on the other hand National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis shortly after he was appointed cited a need to prevent the parks from becoming irrelevant.

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January 6th, 2010

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40 Below In Yellowstone National Park! What Was I Thinking?

What can you do in Yellowstone National Park when the wind-chill is pushing the "feels like" temperature towards 40 below? I'm not sure, but I'll figure it out Thursday when I find myself at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

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January 6th, 2010

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