You are here

Share
Photo of a bird resting on top of a leaf, standing on one leg

When you talk about expanding the National Park System, any expansion should be strategic. Whether it’s to protect a cultural or historical site, or one rich in natural resources. Today, if you want to protect natural resources, it should be done with an eye towards protecting biodiversity.

There is too much at stake today to expand the National Park System just for the sake of adding units. The country is losing too much of nature to development, bird populations have been plummeting, and climate change is challenging many other species.

So where do you look to protect biodiversity from the human footprint? One possible area is the Mobile-Tensaw region of Alabama. To gain an understanding of what’s there to protect, we’ve reached out to Bill Finch, director of the Paint Rock Research Center in Alabama, and who has been involved in Alabama conservation for more than 30 years.

:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode introduction with Kurt Repanshek
:50 Blue Mist - Randy Petersen - The Sounds of Shenandoah
1:12 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
1:42 Washington’s National Park Fund
2:15 The Everglades Foundation
2:30 Bill Finch, director of the Paint Rock Research Center, discusses the rich biodiversity of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.
17:22 Whispering Winds - Grant Geissman - Sounds of the Caribbean
17:47 National Parks RVing Guide
18:42 Potrero Group
19:09 Interior Federal Credit Union
19:29 Great Smoky Mountains Association
19:53 Bill Finch and the Traveler's Kurt Repanshek continue their discussion of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta's biodiversity.
36:19 Spring Fever - Bill Mize - The Sounds of the Everglades
36:34 National Parks Traveler Promo
36:46 Yosemite Conservancy
37:08 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
37:30 Friends of Acadia
37:58 Bill and Kurt wrap up their Mobile-Tensaw River Delta conservation conversation.
46:49 Almost Home - Randy Petersen - The Sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains
47:24 Episode Closing
47:45 Orange Tree Productions
48:18 Splitbeard Productions
48:28 National Parks Traveler footer

Add comment

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 299 | Essential Coverage

Whether this is your first listen of our weekly podcast or number 299, welcome and thank you for listening. We hope you find these episodes interesting and present information or a side to the parks that you previously didn’t know about.

November 3rd, 2024 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 298 | 4 Women, 4 Kidneys, 444 Miles, 4 Days

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic byway that rolls 440 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. A unit of the National Park Service,  the trace winds its way through lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems and interesting historical sites. 
 
Originally the trace was a foot path for Native Americans and later used by early pioneers and traders. Today it’s popular for motorists, cyclists and others seeking adventure, tranquility and a peek into America’s past.  
 

October 27th, 2024 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 297 | Trail of the Lost

The National Trail System in the United States spans many thousands of miles of foot trail. The crown jewels of that system, of course, are the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.

While the adventurous might look at those long trails and set their sights on hiking one end from end, not all manage to complete the journey. Many become disillusioned after days spent hiking in the rain, or because they become homesick, or because of the blisters that sprout on their feet.

October 20th, 2024 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 296 | Crime Off The Grid

Crime happens, even in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. There are murders, thefts, robberies and all sorts of crime that we’d hope to escape by heading into the kingdom of public lands.
 

October 13th, 2024 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 295 | The Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

Who could have predicted that Hurricane Helene would carry her fury from the Gulf of Mexico and the coast of Florida hundreds of miles north into Appalachia? While there were forecasts calling for the hurricane to be downgraded to a tropical storm and drop quite a bit of rain in the region, the extent of damage in western North Carolina has been breathtaking.

October 6th, 2024 Read More

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.