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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- Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'
- Inside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner platesInside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner plates
Environment
- The uncertain future of the world's most expensive spiceThe uncertain future of the world's most expensive spice
- A marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopusA marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopus
- What is black ice? The science behind the winter threatWhat is black ice? The science behind the winter threat
- See a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in FloridaSee a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in Florida
- Searching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiersSearching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiers
- 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
History & Culture
- How the ancient Romans became the world's greatest buildersHow the ancient Romans became the world's greatest builders
- Inside a steel sphere deep underwater, these explorers made historyInside a steel sphere deep underwater, these explorers made history
- When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.
- These sunken ceramics ushered in a new era for archaeologyThese 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
Science
- Cheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost populationCheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost population
- Woolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomachWoolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomach
- 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
Travel
- Utah's Deer Valley beckons skiers this season—here's whyUtah's Deer Valley beckons skiers this season—here's why
- 6 sun-soaked island archipelagos to visit for a winter getaway6 sun-soaked island archipelagos to visit for a winter getaway
- How to sail across the Atlantic on a century-old schoonerHow to sail across the Atlantic on a century-old schooner
- Ride the world's steepest cable-car to this remote Swiss villageRide the world's steepest cable-car to this remote Swiss village