While mountains are formed by geologic forces deep underground, they create space for unique ecosystems to form high above the Earth. Mountains’ harsh conditions and relative isolation have encouraged and sheltered varied biodiversity.
By Cristen Hemingway Jaynes and Olivia Rosane This year marks the 54th year of Earth Day! What better way to celebrate than to explore opportunities to join others in helping combat the climate crisis and make our planet cleaner, greener and more sustainable? Here are a few suggestions to get you started. 1. Square Up […]
The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have completed an air tour management plan for Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. As part of the plan, commercial air tours will be banned in and around the national monument. Commercial air tours are a type of flight that visitors can pay to […]
If you’re looking to go on an adventure in the great outdoors, the variety of landscapes in the Pacific Northwest — from temperate rainforest and brilliant geological formations to expansive sand dunes and stunning river-carved canyons — are awe-inspiring for even the seasoned traveler. Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington State Named for the Hoh […]
Whale watching is a popular pastime and a great way to get outdoors, but not everyone knows the best places and times of year to see the largest mammals on Earth. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best places to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in the United States. San Juan […]
In 1968, the U.S. government passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, designating the first eight free-flowing rivers as protected — the Rio Grande, Rogue, Clearwater, St. Croix, Eleven Point, Idaho’s Salmon and Wolf Rivers. Today, there are 226 wild and scenic rivers and streams covering more than 13,4000 miles in the national Wild and […]
Quick Key Facts What Is ‘Birding’? Birding is the act of observing and identifying birds in the wild as a form of recreation. This can range from taking note of all the birds who visit a backyard feeder, or traveling across the country to try to see more U.S. bird species than anyone else in […]
The National Park Service recently announced that next year, visitors to Yosemite National Park in California will need to reserve their entry for several spring and fall visits and all peak summer visits to aid with congestion. The pilot reservation system will be similar to the “Peak Hours” reservation system used in 2022, which required […]
One of the easiest and most rewarding activities for an amateur astronomer is stargazing, especially when there is a dazzling meteor shower. This week, the Geminids meteor shower — famous for its colorful streaks of light — is visible around the world during the predawn and night hours. “The Geminids meteor shower, which peaks during […]
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