National Parks
Our national parks host millions of people a year, sustain countless species, and safeguard some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. They preserve natural and cultural resources “for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Here’s how to make the most of your next national parks trip.
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How can the U.S. National Parks attract more minority visitors? America's national parks were created as free spaces for all to enjoy, but in both visitors and employees, they have struggled with diversity. A poll done by the National Parks Service in 2008-2009 found that 78% of visitors were white, even though they comprise only 63.7% of the U.S. population. Grassroots organizations like African American National Parks Event are now trying to help diversify the parks by encouraging minorities to get out and enjoy the spaces.
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Animals
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- Inside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner platesInside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner plates
- How scientists learn from the masters of invisibility: octopusesHow scientists learn from the masters of invisibility: octopuses
Environment
- Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energyBusting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
- How this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivorsHow this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivors
- How smart cities are being reinvented after natural disastersHow smart cities are being reinvented after natural disasters
- The industrial waste site that glitters like a glacierThe industrial waste site that glitters like a glacier
- A year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their storiesA year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their stories
- Here's how plastics experts decorate for the holidaysHere's how plastics experts decorate for the holidays
- What happens when a country loses most of its lakes?What happens when a country loses most of its lakes?
- Sharks are thriving in some marine parks—but not others. Why?Sharks are thriving in some marine parks—but not others. Why?
- Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?
- Why hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerousWhy hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerous
History & Culture
- When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.
- How sunken ceramics ushered in a new era for archaeologyHow sunken ceramics ushered in a new era for archaeology
- The mystery man who claimed to be Marie-Antoinette’s sonThe mystery man who claimed to be Marie-Antoinette’s son
- These 2025 discoveries reshaped what we know about the BibleThese 2025 discoveries reshaped what we know about the Bible
- How this 100-year-old sun compass unlocked polar explorationHow this 100-year-old sun compass unlocked polar exploration
- In Ireland, women celebrate their own 'Christmas' in JanuaryIn Ireland, women celebrate their own 'Christmas' in January
Science
- This ancient human may be root of Homo sapiens’ family treeThis ancient human may be root of Homo sapiens’ family tree
- This asteroid is spilling secrets about how life on Earth beganThis asteroid is spilling secrets about how life on Earth began
- Why scientists want to turn the moon into a gas stationWhy scientists want to turn the moon into a gas station
- Here's why Earth is closer to the sun on January 3Here's why Earth is closer to the sun on January 3
- January’s wolf moon is the last supermoon for nearly a year
- Science
- Night Sky Guide
January’s wolf moon is the last supermoon for nearly a year
Travel
- Skip the crowds in Banff and tour this mountain town instead
- Travel
- Here Not There
Skip the crowds in Banff and tour this mountain town instead - Headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here's where to stay.Headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here's where to stay.
- Route 66 at 100: Visit the end of road in sunny Santa MonicaRoute 66 at 100: Visit the end of road in sunny Santa Monica
- I hiked into Arizona's Grand Canyon—here's what it was likeI hiked into Arizona's Grand Canyon—here's what it was like
- A caffeine-fueled journey through Vietnam’s coffee cultureA caffeine-fueled journey through Vietnam’s coffee culture