http://www.us-parks.com/ The latest news and updates from US-Parks.com en-us Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:59:10 -0700 http://www.us-parks.com/blog/national-parks-news-and-updates.html National Park Service News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE " October 14 2008** Contact: David Barna National Park Service (202) 2086843** Wade Vagias National Outdoor Ethics Coordinator (202) 5137124** National Park Service helps campers Leave No Trace** WASHINGTON " There is an old saying popular with park rangers and campers " take only pictures and leave only footprints when you are enjoying the great outdoors. While many subscribe to this philosophy it isnt always obvious how to make the right lowimpact choices when youre far from roads and established campgrounds. The National Park Services (NPS) Leave No Trace video is a great place for campers to learn where to pitch a tent and how to cook in wilderness so that no one will know you were there. It even covers what do to " ahem " when Mother Nature calls.** The 9 minute video online for the first time addresses the importance of taking a personal role in preserving the outdoor experience for future generations. It provides a vivid and adventurous display of outdoor scenery showcasing wild animals breathtaking scenery and presents how people can incorporate Leave No Trace principles when they are outdoors.** We hope the video inspires people to take a wilderness trip said Jonathan Jarvis Director of the National Park Service. The more people know about making the right choices while camping and enjoying the backcountry the better we can protect these special places for future generations of hikers and campers.** Copies are now available for individuals colleges universities summer camps and groups through the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in Boulder Colorado. To obtain a free copy of the DVD please visit www.LNT.org or call (800) 3324100 (shipping and handling charges will apply).** For information about hosting the video on your website contact Wade Vagias with the National Park Service at Wade_Vagiasnps.gov or (202) 5137124. To view or download the video go to http://www.nps.gov/features/wilderness/leavenotrace/popup.html. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:46:27 -0600 http://www.us-parks.com/blog/national-parks-news-and-updates.html National Park Service News Release** Contacts: Bradley Block Jewel Cave National Monument** Bradley_Blocknps.gov (605) 6738330** Elise Cleva NPS Headquarters Elise_M_Clevanps.gov (202) 2086843 Date: October 14 2009** Jewel Cave National Monument** Americas Best Idea: National Park Getaway** CUSTER S.Dak. " Welcome to one of many unique sites within the National Park System a place where disguise comes into play. At this national monument in the beautiful Black Hills the surrounding landscape dons a costume of canyons limestone cliffs open meadows and ponderosa pines and for all its grandeur the visible terrain doesnt give away the unexpected chambers beneath it.** In the passages of Jewel Cave Earth shows itself to be toothed its grin furnished with stalactites and stalagmites playful as it sports ornaments of calcite popcorn and rare hydromagnesite balloons and adventurous accessorized with spiders and flowers of gypsum. This wild world of speleothems (cave formations) dazzles visitors with walls that gleam with crystals. Nailhead (blunt) and dogtooth (pointed) spar crystals line Jewel Cave giving Earth a sparkling inner self that rivals any diva in glamour. Visitors with a range of abilities can take in the jewels that give the monument its name"the speleothems and the crystals while journeying through the Scenic Tour of the cave or taking part in the barrierfree (fully accessible) Discovery Tour.** Volunteers continue to explore the underground maze of passageways which at its current length of just over 146 miles is already the worlds secondlongest cave. Underground it spreads beyond the threesquare miles of the national monument. Even more fascinating studies show that only a small portion of the overall cave length has been explored. In essence Jewel Cave is a rare site within the National Park System an evolving site since the full extent of the cave has yet to be discovered.** For those who prefer to stay above ground meandering hiking trails at this site lead adventurers through the patchwork habitat of ponderosa pines and wildland fire scars. Hikers view the stunning geology that lies above Jewel Cave.** This national monument offers a quick getaway for those who live nearby. Visitors from farther afield may wish to add other National Park System sites such as Mount Rushmore Wind Cave Devils Tower Minuteman Missile and the Badlands to their trip. The National Park Service invites everyone to enjoy Jewel Cave and experience the thrill of discovery. As the saying goes things are not always as they seem. Between Custer S.Dak. and Newcastle Wyo. a rugged landscape on the surface conceals an aweinspiring world of shapes and palettes of colors that captivate visitors attention. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:26:52 -0600 http://www.us-parks.com/blog/national-parks-news-and-updates.html National Park Service News Release* Scott Pardue De Soto National Memorial Scott_Parduenps.gov 9417920458* Elise Cleva NPS Headquarters Elise_M_Clevanps.gov 2022086843* October 7 2009* De Soto National Memorial* Americas Best Idea: National Park Getaway* BRADENTON Fla. " As the holiday honoring the 15th century explorer Christopher Columbus approaches why not do a little exploring of your own Chart a course in your car or boat to De Soto National Memorial which lies on the Manatee River at its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.** Its a great little place says National Park Service Southeast Regional Director (and former historical reenactor at De Soto) David Vela with a smile. Today its surrounded by development which presents a challenge he notes but the circumstance works to the advantage of this park which in the midst of a paved built and artificially lit environment offers natural beaches and coastal woodlands. Once there you can follow trails to the edge of the water and into a forest of mangrove trees or join a Rangerled guided walk to make your own journey of discovery.** Yes of discovery. The trails here thread across land that has been traversed by surveyors and visitors and is already plotted on maps but Americans of 2009 can discover this park every bit as much as Spanish conquistadores discovered lands on which Native Americans had already established sophisticated societies. When you visit De Soto youre sure to find as Columbus did in the New World something thats new and exciting to you. It might be a snowy egret or a gumbolimbo tree. It might be an arquebus"a firearm of the 1500s"in action during the memorials DecembertoApril living history programs. Perhaps it will be an aspect of the Native American cultures that the conquistadores encountered. You can enjoy Floridas mild fall and winter temperatures with a variety of concerts films and holiday outdoor events. Coming soon rangers will lead park visitors around the native waterways in guided kayak tours.** Hernando de Soto the leader of a 16th century Spanish expedition and the namesake of the park sailed into Tampa Bay intent on capturing the riches of La Florida. His army was alternately welcomed and opposed by Native American tribes throughout what is now the southeastern United States in a four year 4000 mile odyssey of intrigue warfare disease and discovery. De Soto National Memorial commemorates that odyssey and offers you a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand. Follow in the footsteps of early European explorers and Native American people to discover the parks riches"the sights of the plants and animals that live here the fun youll have and the memories youll take away. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:25:19 -0600