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.
Go Further
Animals
- Why do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidenceWhy do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidence
- A mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthersA mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthers
- Endangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles RiverEndangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles River
- In Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animalsIn Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animals
Environment
- 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
- Europe’s plastics industry is about to boom. U.S. fracking is driving it.Europe’s plastics industry is about to boom. U.S. fracking is driving it.
- A locust plague hit East Africa. The pesticide solution may have dire consequences.A locust plague hit East Africa. The pesticide solution may have dire consequences.
- How Inuit avoid falling through thinning Arctic iceHow Inuit avoid falling through thinning Arctic ice
History & Culture
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
- How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day traditionHow the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition
Science
- 'Zoom fatigue' may be with us for years. Here's how we'll cope.'Zoom fatigue' may be with us for years. Here's how we'll cope.
- Microbes in your gut may be new recruits in the fight against virusesMicrobes in your gut may be new recruits in the fight against viruses
- U.S. calls for pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine after new cases of rare blood clotsU.S. calls for pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine after new cases of rare blood clots
- Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputationWhy the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation
Travel
- What happens to street animals when tourists suddenly disappear?What happens to street animals when tourists suddenly disappear?
- Why you shouldn’t fear a little mud on your next hikeWhy you shouldn’t fear a little mud on your next hike
- This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave systemThis U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system