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
- Wild cockatoos learn to open bins by copying others—first evidence of social learningWild cockatoos learn to open bins by copying others—first evidence of social learning
- Extreme heat triggers mass die-offs and stress for wildlife in the WestExtreme heat triggers mass die-offs and stress for wildlife in the West
- These bunny-faced animals have an unusual strategy for surviving winterThese bunny-faced animals have an unusual strategy for surviving winter
- The wild celebrities of Japan's national parks
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The wild celebrities of Japan's national parks
Environment
- Wildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thoughtWildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thought
- Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?
- This summer could change our understanding of extreme heatThis summer could change our understanding of extreme heat
- Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.
- Experts fear Germany’s deadly floods are a glimpse into climate futureExperts fear Germany’s deadly floods are a glimpse into climate future
- Nearly half of Americans say climate change has become a bigger threatNearly half of Americans say climate change has become a bigger threat
- Thawing permafrost prompts Denali National Park to reimagine its futureThawing permafrost prompts Denali National Park to reimagine its future
History & Culture
- The bombing of Hamburg foreshadowed the horrors of HiroshimaThe bombing of Hamburg foreshadowed the horrors of Hiroshima
- Haitians reflect on the past while confronting the futureHaitians reflect on the past while confronting the future
- Last meal of sacrificial bog body was surprisingly unsurprisingLast meal of sacrificial bog body was surprisingly unsurprising
- How the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of ancient civilizationsHow the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of ancient civilizations
- How gymnastics became a deeply beloved Olympic sportHow gymnastics became a deeply beloved Olympic sport
Science
- Scientists urge local mask mandates as Delta sweeps the U.S.Scientists urge local mask mandates as Delta sweeps the U.S.
- Vaccines are highly unlikely to cause side effects long after getting the shotVaccines are highly unlikely to cause side effects long after getting the shot
- Core of Mars is shockingly big, NASA mission revealsCore of Mars is shockingly big, NASA mission reveals
- A spritz instead of a jab? Future COVID-19 vaccines may go up your nose.A spritz instead of a jab? Future COVID-19 vaccines may go up your nose.
- Chunk of an ancient supercontinent discovered under New ZealandChunk of an ancient supercontinent discovered under New Zealand
- Jeff Bezos reaches space—a small step toward big dreamsJeff Bezos reaches space—a small step toward big dreams
Travel
- Rock climbing is getting more popular—and that concerns conservationistsRock climbing is getting more popular—and that concerns conservationists
- Canada is reopening its border. Here’s what travelers need to know.Canada is reopening its border. Here’s what travelers need to know.
- These mystery stories solve crimes and spark travel
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