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
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- The world’s rarest penguins don’t avoid heat—they embrace itThe world’s rarest penguins don’t avoid heat—they embrace it
- How Antarctica’s penguins became nature’s daredevilsHow Antarctica’s penguins became nature’s daredevils
- First ever video shows colossal squid in natural habitatFirst ever video shows colossal squid in natural habitat
Environment
- Saudi Arabia's vast desert was once a lush, green paradiseSaudi Arabia's vast desert was once a lush, green paradise
- This strange phenomenon turns the ocean milky whiteThis strange phenomenon turns the ocean milky white
- Did you know cherry trees can ‘breathe’? Here's how.Did you know cherry trees can ‘breathe’? Here's how.
- Our car tires are poisoning salmon—and maybe us, tooOur car tires are poisoning salmon—and maybe us, too
- Startling Antarctic sea creatures found beneath huge icebergStartling Antarctic sea creatures found beneath huge iceberg
- 8 spectacular places in the U.S. to see spring flowers in bloom8 spectacular places in the U.S. to see spring flowers in bloom
- Scientists reveal a hidden world beneath Antarctica's ice where rivers flow uphillScientists reveal a hidden world beneath Antarctica's ice where rivers flow uphill
- Can this graphic novel change America's views on climate? It did in France.Can this graphic novel change America's views on climate? It did in France.
History & Culture
- What archaeology can—and can’t—tell us about Jesus’ crucifixionWhat archaeology can—and can’t—tell us about Jesus’ crucifixion
- Rare, 1,600-year-old child remains found at a Maya altarRare, 1,600-year-old child remains found at a Maya altar
- Mary Magdalene probably wasn’t a prostitute. Was she rich?Mary Magdalene probably wasn’t a prostitute. Was she rich?
- How dragons lost their wicked menace—and became our friendsHow dragons lost their wicked menace—and became our friends
- What is Good Friday—and what’s the meaning behind its name?What is Good Friday—and what’s the meaning behind its name?
Science
- Is there really alien life on this exoplanet? We asked 10 experts.Is there really alien life on this exoplanet? We asked 10 experts.
- How to see the northern lights—and why they’re more common nowHow to see the northern lights—and why they’re more common now
- These are the real fungal ‘superhighways’ that inspired ‘The Last of Us’, Video StoryThese are the real fungal ‘superhighways’ that inspired ‘The Last of Us’
- Visiting the Titanic is suddenly a lot easier than you thinkVisiting the Titanic is suddenly a lot easier than you think
Travel
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