Painted Hills in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon
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10 Best National Parks and Monuments for Dinosaurs and Fossils

ByBram Reusen

If you’d like to put on your paleontology hat, learn about prehistoric fossils and dinosaurs, and maybe even look for them yourself, the national parks and monuments in this post can’t be beat. From Badlands and Petrified Forest to several Fossil Beds National Monuments, they’re the absolute best National Park Service sites for fossil hunting.

Happy hiker Caroline in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

National Parks Can Literally Make You a Better Person

ByBram Reusen

There’s more to the national parks than just their epic wildlife, spectacular landscapes, rich history and cultural value. Visiting a national park can be a very personal experience, too, one that may change your life forever—quite literally—in the best way possible. They may help you become a better version of yourself! Here’s how.

World War I Memorial Soldier's Journey - Photo Credit NPS
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World War I Memorial Is Latest Addition to NPS System

ByBram Reusen

The brand-new World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. was officially unveiled on April 16, 2021. This addition to the National Park Service system honors the 4.7 million Americans who served during the First World War, especially the 116,516 soldiers who lost their lives in the “War to End All Wars.”

Citizen scientist sampling in Rocky Mountain National Park - Photo Credit NPS

3 Ways You Can Contribute to National Park Management and Preservation

ByBram Reusen

From volunteering to donating to organizations and becoming a citizen scientist, all contributions matter and make a difference. If you’re looking for opportunities to help preserve the national parks, natural resources, cultural and historical sites, and wildlife, here are three ways you can do that.

View of the Grand Canyon on Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon National Park
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Grand Canyon National Park Reopens East Entrance at Desert View

ByBram Reusen

Grand Canyon National Park officials, who’ve been working with state and tribal officials and community leaders, announced the reopening of the East Entrance. The entrance will be open from Thursday, April 8, 2021. For the time being, though, there were be no services available at Desert View.

Milky Way in Mesa Verde National Park - Credit NPS Jacob W. Frank
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Mesa Verde Is the World’s 100th International Dark Sky Park

ByBram Reusen

The National Park Service (NPS) and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) announced the designation of Mesa Verde National Park as the world’s 100th International Dark Sky Park. This important certification is the result of the park’s efforts to implement responsible lighting policies, which enhance the already-exceptional quality of its night sky.

Camp Founder Girls camping

Camp Founder Girls: Featured Outdoor Diversity Organization

ByBram Reusen

This month’s featured outdoor diversity organization is based in San Antonio, Texas. Camp Founder Girls is a week-long summer camp program from Black Outside, Inc. Their mission is to connect Black girls to nature through culturally relevant programs, ensuring safe and equitable outdoor spaces. Read more and support!

Redwood National Park California Condor Reintroduction Program - Credit Chris West Yurok Tribe

California Condors Will Once Again Soar the Pacific Northwest Skies in Redwood National Park

ByBram Reusen

“We are excited for this opportunity to bring these iconic birds back to California habitat that has not been occupied for decades. These birds are important to the biodiversity of the landscape and we are pleased with the collaboration amongst state and federal agencies, the Yurok Tribe, and private companies to conserve this species.”

Teklanika Rest Stop view, Denali National Park - Photo Credit: NPS / Emily Mesner

In Summer 2021, Private Vehicles Can Access First 30 Miles of Denali Park Road

ByBram Reusen

In the summer of 2021, private vehicles can access the first 30 miles of the Denali Park Road, twice as far as in normal years. The road will be open to private vehicles up to the Teklanika Rest Stop. A permit is required and can be booked via an online reservation system.

Maple Pass Loop hiker Bram, North Cascades, Washington State
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9 Must-Do Activities in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex

ByBram Reusen

Home to giant glaciers, countless cascades, stunning lakes, jagged peaks and lots of wildlife, the North Cascades are a camper’s, hiker’s, backpacker’s and kayaker’s dream destination. These are the best things to do in this magnificent mountain wilderness in northern Washington State.

St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park - Photo Credit NPS Ross Bullington

Glacier National Park Reopens Access to Its East Side

ByBram Reusen

After a full-year closure, Glacier National Park announced that it will reopen access to its East Side on Thursday, March 18. The entrances at Cut Bank, St. Mary and Two Medicine will be open for foot traffic, snowshoes and skis. The decision was made after consultation between health officials from the NPS, Blackfeet Tribe, Glacier County and other authorities.