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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- Groundbreaking effort launched to decode whale languageGroundbreaking effort launched to decode whale language
- This fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litterThis fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litter
Environment
- Biden wants to cut U.S. climate pollution in half—here’s howBiden wants to cut U.S. climate pollution in half—here’s how
- Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?
- Offshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easyOffshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easy
- How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.
- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
- Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.
- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
- As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleetsAs halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets
- Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the makingHazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making
- Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?
- Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice lossBig winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss
History & Culture
- 240 men started Magellan's voyage around the world. Only 18 finished it.240 men started Magellan's voyage around the world. Only 18 finished it.
- After 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who foughtAfter 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who fought
- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- SpaceX launches first astronauts on a reused rocketSpaceX launches first astronauts on a reused rocket
- Children born to Chernobyl survivors don’t carry more genetic mutationsChildren born to Chernobyl survivors don’t carry more genetic mutations
- Europe says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccineEurope says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccine
- How virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them betterHow virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them better
- Billions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists reportBillions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists report
Travel
- See fireflies magically light up this national parkSee fireflies magically light up this national park
- Birds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your carBirds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your car
- She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.
- What it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great LakeWhat it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great Lake