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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- 3 takeaways from CITES, the world’s leading wildlife summit3 takeaways from CITES, the world’s leading wildlife summit
- This parasite can manipulate the minds of animals—and humansThis parasite can manipulate the minds of animals—and humans
- How this owl detects prey hiding under mounds of snowHow this owl detects prey hiding under mounds of snow
- Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.
Environment
- When does winter start? Here’s why each season begins twice.When does winter start? Here’s why each season begins twice.
- How your favorite plant-based milk impacts the planetHow your favorite plant-based milk impacts the planet
- See industrial relics reimagined as amusement parksSee industrial relics reimagined as amusement parks
- More rainbows are in our future—and that’s a bad omenMore rainbows are in our future—and that’s a bad omen
- Is your favorite ‘green’ product really eco-friendly?Is your favorite ‘green’ product really eco-friendly?
- What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?
- Earth now has 8 billion people. Where do we go from here?Earth now has 8 billion people. Where do we go from here?
- How climate change can help heal conflicts—not just fuel themHow climate change can help heal conflicts—not just fuel them
History & Culture
- At a temple in China, a Kung Fu master keeps the past aliveAt a temple in China, a Kung Fu master keeps the past alive
- Christianity struggled to grow—until this skeptic became a believerChristianity struggled to grow—until this skeptic became a believer
- It took a village to build Europe’s Gothic cathedralsIt took a village to build Europe’s Gothic cathedrals
- Why Iran’s flag is at the center of controversy at the World CupWhy Iran’s flag is at the center of controversy at the World Cup
- How an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of LightsHow an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of Lights
- The legend of the ‘demon cat’ that roams the U.S. CapitolThe legend of the ‘demon cat’ that roams the U.S. Capitol
Science
- Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may have an answer.Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may have an answer.
- Could dinosaurs swim? A new fossil revives an age-old debate.Could dinosaurs swim? A new fossil revives an age-old debate.
- Leeches are still used in medicine—yes, really. Here’s why.Leeches are still used in medicine—yes, really. Here’s why.
- Mauna Loa erupts for first time in 38 years—what happens next?Mauna Loa erupts for first time in 38 years—what happens next?
Travel
- Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it.Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it.
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- How Nessie and the Yeti birthed a global cryptid-chasing industryHow Nessie and the Yeti birthed a global cryptid-chasing industry
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