Buffalo National River

The latest video in the “Outside Science (inside parks)” series follows high school students underground at Buffalo National River in northwest Arkansas as they take a weeklong course to learn about cave ecology and geology with Project C.A.V.E.S. (Creative Adventures and Valuable Experiences Through Spelunking).

The last month or so of the year, from Thanksgiving through New Years, includes chances for many of us to enjoy time away from our usual routine, and sometimes that may even include a trip to a park. A recent challenging rescue of an injured climber at Buffalo National River offers a good reminder that park visitors can be thankful that emergency responders are still on duty, even when we're enjoying a holiday.

It's not often you hear about rangers resorting to a canoe to rescue visitors in need, but that's what happened the other day at Buffalo National River in Arkansas when word came of a snakebite victim in dire need of medical attention.

Citing the rising cost of doing business and tighter budgets, Buffalo National River officials have increased the fees for camping along the national river.