National Parks Blog – Page 7 – US National Parks & Monuments

March 22, 2012March 22, 2012

Rock Fall Flow Photo Valley of Fire Nevada State Park

One of the natural wonders that I enjoy hiking to most is waterfalls. While hiking in Valley of Fire Nevada state park (a couple of hours outside Las Vegas and a wonderful day trip if you want to escape all the casinos) I came across this rock fall or rock flow (I’m not sure which to call it), but found it wonderfully interesting, especially with the contrast of colors between the striped red sandstone and the rocks in the flow / fall. This was found while doing the White Domes hike which I would highly recommend doing for anyone that makes it to Valley of Fire (click photo for a bigger, more detailed image)

What do you think?

March 21, 2012March 21, 2012

Big Basin CA State Park Seeking Volunteers

I just spent a day hiking at Big Basin California State Park and they are looking for volunteers to become docent-naturalists for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. This is the flyer posted on the headquarters door (click on photo for larger image)

As the sign states:

Become part of a team dedicated to helping the environment through education Learn to lead guided walks for school groups and the public

Gain natural history knowledge of the coast redwoods and their ecosystem

Share part of yourself with the community

Support California State Parks

Classes begin in April 2012. Call 831-338-8883 for more information and an application.

March 13, 2012

Solar Trash Can Compactors Bryce Canyon National Park

I am a firm believer that technology has an important role to play in our National Parks. While the parks themselves may be wild and rugged, technology can certainly solve some of the issues that occur when people want to visit these off the beaten track destinations.

One of the things that I love about traveling to National Parks is when I find a simple technological concept in use that makes perfect sense. On a recent trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, I noticed that all the trash cans weren’t simply regular garbage cans, but solar powered trash compactor cans:

It’s such a simple idea that makes a whole lot of sense. The compactor means that the trash can doesn’t need to be emptied as often (freeing up extra time for park staff to do other things), there is no additional electricity being used (since they are solar) and they keep the park cleaner (since it is an enclosed system, birds and other wildlife can’t get into the trash can). I hope that I end up seeing more of these, and other similar simple concepts that make sense, in other National Parks I visit.

February 2, 2012

Atlatl Rock Valley of Fire Nevada State Park

For those who have an extra day when staying in Las Vegas and want to see something beyond the gaming floors and slot machines, an hour and a half drive out to Valley of Fire Nevada state park is definitely worth the effort. There is a good variety of scenic spots and different formations that will ensure that you don’t regret the trip. There is also a very nice display of Native American rock art at Atlatl Rock. It’s well worth stopping to see these ancient petroglyphs. An information sign placed in the parking lot before you climb a metal staircase gives the following basics about the atlatl:

An atlatl is a throwing stick or dart thrower used by ancient tribes to give more force to their darts or spears. It was usually a wooden stick about two feet long with a handhold on one end and a hook on the other end. A slot cut in the tail end of the dart was set against the hook allowing the dart to lie along the atlatl so that both could be grasped midway of the dart by the user.

These petroglyphs were made by ancient tribes. Respect their antiquity. Help preserve them.

When you reach the top of the staircase, the rock art is easily seen and quite bold. The art above the protective fence is well preserved and has little damage:

Unfortunately, the art work below the fence line has been vandalized to some degree:

At the top, there is another informational sign which reads:

These petroglyphs have existed for over 4,000 years. Ancient drawings are a reflection of the past and the lifestyles of Native American cultures. Although we don’t know exactly the meaning of the images, this art reflects the thoughts of these people.

In order to protect these cultural treasures, we ask that you do not walk on, touch or deface the rock. Help us protect our petroglyphs for others to enjoy for generations to come.

Report Vandalism!

Be sure to look around a bit because there id definitely more rock art than their first appears to be

January 31, 2012January 31, 2012

Red Rock Canyon in Black & White

I wish that I was more patient. I would love to take better photos of the places I visit, but simply don’t have the patience to take quality photos. I’ve tried in the past and it just doesn’t work. I have finally come to the conclusion that my small automatic camera is the only way that I will get any photos of all the parks I visit.

While visiting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, I had a friend join me who has the patience to take photos. Not only that, she has the creativity to take black and white photos in a place that is know for its brilliant colors — something that would never even cross my mind. Enjoy (click on the photos to really enjoy them)

Photos copyright Lorraine Bonde, used with permission.

January 28, 2012

Tortoise Crossing Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

One of the things that I love about the parks in the National Parks system is that there’s a good chance that you will end up stumbling across something that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. I was recently visiting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just outside Las Vegas when I came across this road warning sign:

Probably more effective that speed bumps for slowing down traffic (especially when a tortoise is crossing the road)

December 16, 2011

National Park Anti-Graffiti Sign

One of the things that distresses me when visiting the National Parks is that is seems that more and more people find it necessary to leave their name inside the National Parks. I’m not sure why people feel the need to deface these natural wonders — what is it that makes people think that it’s a good idea to spray paint or carve their name into the rocks at National Parks? It saddens me to no end that signs like this actually need to be posted these days in National Parks (this one was found at Capitol Reef National Park):

I remember hiking in Arches National Park well away from the most visited places and running into a ranger that was cleaning up marks that people had left on some of the remote arches. He said it was a constant battle because if people see that one person has done it, they feel it’s OK for them to do it as well. Sharpie markers, along with gum, were the bane of his existence.

If you ever see park rangers out and about cleaning the natural wonders that we visit, be sure to thank them — and don’t be shy in discouraging anyone from marking natural wonders in the National Parks…

December 14, 2011

National Parks Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays

The national Parks want to wish you a very happy holiday season and are coming out with a series of holiday videos which started yesterday and will continue with a new video each day through the rest of December on their Youtube Channel. Todays happens to be a bunch of excited dog sled puppies at Denali National Park and Preserve — how can you go wrong with that? Watch and enjoy:

This is the national parks holiday video schedule for the rest of the month:

December 13 – Yosemite National Park
December 14 – Denali National Park and Preserve
December 15 – Vicksburg National Military Park
December 16 – Biscayne National Park
December 17 – Grand Canyon National Park (Sign Language)
December 18 – Glacier National Park
December 19 – Big Cypress National Preserve
December 20 – Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
December 21 – Everglades National Park
December 22 – Grand Canyon National Park (Spanish)
December 23 – Biscayne National Park
December 24 – Arches National Park
December 25 – San Juan National Historic Site
December 26 – Virgin Islands National Park
December 27 – Cape Lookout National Seashore
December 28 – Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
December 29 – Biscayne National Park
December 30 – Denali National Park and Preserve
December 31 – Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

December 5, 2011December 5, 2011

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Art

As I have mentioned previously, I love the way that National Parks are able to inspire those that visit them. While each person takes something special away when they visit a National park, artists sometimes use the inspriation to create works that can be shared with all of us.

Mary C Nasser was able to find inspiration at Petrified Forest National Park, but that was not the only National Park which has inspired her work. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has also inspired some of Mary’s artwork:

In 2007, I spent 2 weeks living as resident artist at Petrified Forest National Park, examining desert landscapes, where the combination of aridity and erosion exposed the earth’s composition, structure, and layers, the relationships between them, and the deep time they represent. After visiting extinct volcanoes in New Mexico, particularly Capulin Volcano National Monument, I longed to see active volcanoes.

As a result, I embarked on a residency at Red Cinder Creativity Center in 2008, located between the active and accessible volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, on the Big Island of Hawaii. I experienced and studied the various landscapes and dynamic geology of the island, particularly at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I had the unique opportunities of watching landscape being created by lava flowing into the ocean. I am fascinated by the process of lava hardening into rock, which, in time, will transform into soil where plants will sprout and grow. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues to inform and influence my work, including my current series of paintings.

The following four wonderful mix media art pieces were inspired by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

South: Mixed media, green olivine sand and acrylic on canvas

Lake: Mixed media, encaustic and olivine on canvas

Park: Mixed media, olivine and acrylic on canvas

Deep Within Hawaii Volcanoes national park

Deep Within: Mixed media and acrylic

You can see more of Mary’s work on her website at Mary C Nasser, follow her on twitter or like her on Facebook. You can also keep up on Mary’s latest projects on her blog.

November 30, 2011

10 Great Things To Do At Harry S Truman National Historic Site

This post is courtesy of Harry S Truman Historic Site. You can also find them on Facebook and on twitter @HarrySTrumanNPS

Harry S Truman summed it up best when he was asked at a press conference whether he planned to return to Independence after he left the White House. He responded bluntly, “Certainly! That’s my home.” Today, visitors to Harry S Truman National Historic Site experience the home and surroundings the 33rd President knew when he was a young man who had modest ambitions in politics, as well as the final years as a former president.

Though not on the grand scale of a Monticello, Mount Vernon, or Hyde Park, the rambling 19th Century Victorian at 219 N. Delaware, Truman’s home before and after his presidency, has become an iconic spot and a popular tourist destination. Overall, five properties relating to Truman are preserved by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, and each reflect the practical, middle-America lifestyle that was interwoven into Truman and his family.

Below are the top ten things visitors should see and do while visiting Harry S Truman National Historic Site:

Take a ranger-guided tour through the Truman Home: The Truman Home offers a glimpse of the personal life of the 33rd President of the United States. Beautiful in its uncluttered commonness, the Truman Home showcases the simple life Truman and his wife Bess enjoyed in Independence before and after his presidency. Preserved following the passing of Bess in 1982, the home and collection contains over 50,000 objects relating to the Trumans, including Harry’s 1972 Chrysler still sitting in the garage.

Harry Truman national historic site kitchen

Visit the Noland Home, located across from the Truman Home, where Harry’s favorite cousins lived. While visiting in 1910, Truman returned a borrowed cake plate from across the street, an experience that reconnected him with his childhood friend Bess Wallace which led to a nine year courtship and 62 year marriage. Self-guided exhibits explore the courtship, the extended Truman family, and life in the Independence neighborhood. Following restoration, the home is scheduled to open in spring 2012.

Head down to the farm: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, take a ranger-guided tour of the historic 1894 farmhouse at the Truman Farm in nearby Grandview. Experience what farm life was like for Harry as a young man from 1906 to 1917.

Take a stroll on the grounds (5+acres) of the farm, or take a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the historic farm that was established by Harry’s grandfather and once sprawled over 600 acres.

Back in Independence, catch the park’s free introductory film highlighting the Truman family and their home at 219. N. Delaware during and after the presidency. Film plays daily every 15 minutes in the visitor center at 223 N. Main.

Children ages 5-12 can take part in the Junior Ranger program and learn more about young Harry and Bess, the National Park Service, and why the Truman Home and surroundings are worth preserving.

Who lived next door to the president? Where were the Secret Service stationed? Listen to an audio/cell phone tour to learn more about Truman Home, Truman Farm, or the neighborhood to find out many interesting stories and information. Use your Smartphone to explore more of the sights and sounds of Truman’s hometown.

Follow in the footsteps of the president: Truman walked one to two miles almost every morning around Independence. Visitors can take the self-guided walking tour and see up-close Truman-related sites following his route.

Don’t forget to check out the park’s bookstore for material highlighting Harry Truman, the presidency, Independence, and much more.

Explore the park’s visitor center with changing exhibits located inside Independence’s historic 1927 fire station.

Harry S Truman National Historic Site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for guided tours of the home, offered throughout the day starting at 9 a.m., cost $4 (free for children 15 and younger) and are available at the site’s visitor center, off Independence Square at 223 North Main.