National Parks
Unhealthy Air and Hazy Skies: How Pollution Is Affecting National Parks
The National Parks Conservation Association's new report recommends mitigating pollution and transitioning to clean energy, with an emphasis on fair solutions.
The National Park Service Authorized Over $250 Million in 'Unobligated' Funds to Keep Parks Open During the Shutdown
A Senate subcommittee is looking into the legality of the decision to tap into the recreation fees for operational costs.
Meet the New Grand Canyon Ranger Who Is Older Than the National Park
Rose Torphy is the oldest-ever junior park ranger at the Grand Canyon, and a vocal advocate for the park's beauty.
National Parks May Receive Congressional Funding for Shutdown Losses
According to an internal email, the National Park Service will be given congressional funding to retroactively pay for operational costs expended during the partial government shutdown.
Shutdown Revenue Loss Could Dig National Parks Into an 'Even Bigger Financial Hole'
The NPS lost an estimated $10 to $11 million in revenue during the partial government shutdown, taking critical funding away from things like park maintenance and visitor services.
A House Bill Would Expand Bears Ears to 1.9 Million Acres
The bill would restore the areas excised from the monument by Trump, and add additional acreage.
National Parks Suffered Irreparable Damage During the Shutdown
Many national parks were kept open but unstaffed or understaffed, with serious consequences for the parks, their employees, and their visitors.
What the Government Shutdown Means for Tribes, Low-Income Americans, and the Cities Near National Parks
Some Americans feel government shutdowns more acutely than others.
Honoring Public Lands in the Trump Era
For National Public Lands Day, we're highlighting some of our favorite stories on the past, present, and future of public lands in America.
Conservationists Are Creating Safer Animal Crossings
To help animals navigate our fast-paced highway systems nature conservationists have started building infrastructure designed specifically for critters.
Yosemite Valley Will Close to Visitors as the Ferguson Fire Rages Nearby
Parts of Yosemite National Park will close as firefighters battle the Ferguson Fire, which has burned since July 13.
How Desert Advocates Are Trying to Protect the Landscape They Love
The number of visitors to Joshua Tree National Park has doubled in the past four years, an increase that spells trouble for local flora and fauna. But as tourism has increased, so have the numbers of conscious residents and conservation efforts.
Stories You Might Have Missed This Week
Californians remove a controversial judge from the bench, Trump might be down with legalizing marijuana, and fourth-graders can keep going to national parks for free.
Congress' Latest Attack on the Antiquities Act Is Not About National Parks
Exaggeration and misdirection can only damage the conservation movement's credibility.
Entrance Fees for America's Favorite National Parks Could Double
Amid budget cuts from the Trump administration, the Department of the Interior wants to up entrance fees and use the revenue to repair aging infrastructure.
Burdened by Austerity, the National Park Service Breaks the Law
The NPS is legally obligated to better manage its enormous crowds, but it is crippled by budget cuts and maintenance backlogs.
Trump's Park Service Embraces Plastic Pollution
The beverage industry spent millions trying to get its way in Washington, D.C.—and it worked.
National Park Service Employees Are Going Rogue to Save Our Wildlife
But will their actions be enough to save the parks from the current administration?
Public Lands in Populist Times: An Interview With Raúl Grijalva
Representative Raúl Grijalva of Arizona is staunchly progressive and deeply committed to protecting public lands.
Air Pollution Is Killing the Views in National Parks
So you finally made it to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the air up there.
Vulnerable Species Are in One Part of the Country; Protected Habitats Are in Another
A study says that if we want to prevent extinction, we’re protecting the wrong areas of the country. Can't we do both?
Stop and Smell the Weeds
Even if you live in an urban environment, taking some time to correct for plant blindness can provide many benefits, both physical and psychological.
Noise in the National Parks
Researchers discuss how human-generated noise affects the natural world—and us.
Why We Should All Go to National Parks
As their centennial approaches, it's time to remember why the National Parks are so worth protecting.