🌍 Over 170 National Park Sites & Counting! Since 2019, we’ve had the incredible privilege of visiting and filming at over 170 national park sites across the country! From caves to coastlines and deserts to forests, every park has something unique to teach us. We’ve met incredible rangers who bring these places to life with their stories and knowledge. In this edition, we kick off a series of ABC Highlights to showcase some of the amazing parks we've visited. Find these videos and others HERE! 🏞️ Acadia National Park, ME 🌉 Highlight: Rockefeller Bridges Located on Maine’s rocky coast, Acadia is known for its stunning views, historic carriage roads, and incredible biodiversity. We explored the iconic Rockefeller Bridges with Rangers Kate and Lisa, who shared fascinating insights about the park’s history and wildlife. And did you know Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise? We got up early to catch the breathtaking view. ⛓️ Alcatraz Island, CA 🔍 Highlight: Untold Stories While famous for its prison history, Alcatraz Island is also home to unique flora and fauna, plus a rich Native American heritage. Ranger Benny guided us through its history, not just of the prison but also the island’s untold stories, including the 1969 Native American occupation that demanded better treatment for Indigenous people. Exploring Alcatraz was both haunting and inspiring! 🐴 Assateague Island National Seashore, MD/VA ❄️ Highlight: Wild Horses in the Sleet Assateague is famous for its wild horses, believed to be descendants of those brought by early European settlers. Despite a January sleet storm, Rangers Liz and Matt shared stories about the island’s history and how these resilient horses survive the tough coastal environment. Seeing them roaming freely, even in a storm, was magical! 🌿 Big Cypress National Preserve, FL 🌀 Highlight: Swamp Walking Adventure Big Cypress, a vast expanse of swamps and wetlands, is critical for preserving the unique Everglades ecosystem. Ranger Lisa guided us through knee-deep water as we explored this biodiverse preserve. We saw towering cypress trees, countless birds, and tiny frogs—and kept an eye out for any submerged surprises! 🌊 Biscayne National Park, FL 🚤 Highlight: Exploring by Boat With 95% of the park underwater, Biscayne National Park is best explored by boat. Rangers Carrie and Liz guided us through coral reefs, mangroves, and shipwrecks as we learned about its importance as a marine sanctuary. The vibrant underwater world is home to countless species, making it a treasure trove for conservation and marine life enthusiasts. 🧗 Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 🦝 Highlight: Hoodoos & Prairie Dogs Famous for its unique hoodoos—towering rock spires carved by erosion—Bryce Canyon offers stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife. Ranger Keith taught us about the delicate balance of this desert ecosystem, including the vital role prairie dogs play. Sunrise over the canyon was nothing short of magical. ✈️ Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, OH 💨 Highlight: Flying Hats & Wright Brothers History This park celebrates the legacy of the Wright Brothers, pioneers of modern aviation. Ranger Bob gave us a tour of key historical sites, and the blustery wind made for a funny moment as Ranger Kathleen’s hat flew off—fitting for a park focused on flight! 🌌 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 🕳️ Highlight: 700 Feet Underground Carlsbad Caverns features over 100 caves carved from limestone by ancient water flow. We joined Ranger Dan, an archaeological geologist, 700 feet underground to marvel at the park’s massive stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring this vast underground world was both humbling and awe-inspiring. 🚨 Cape Cod National Seashore, MA 🦈 Highlight: Life-Saving Stations & Sharks Cape Cod’s beautiful beaches are known for their historic life-saving stations, which once protected mariners from treacherous seas. Rangers Aleutia and Bill told us about the heroic rescues, while Ranger Mark taught us all about Cape Cod’s thriving shark population and ongoing conservation efforts. 🏛️ Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, AZ 📜 Highlight: The Big House This ancient site, built by the Hohokam people, features the "Big House," an architectural marvel of its time. Rangers Sarah and Andrea shared stories about the people who lived in the Sonoran Desert and how their ingenuity shaped the landscape. 🌟 César E. Chávez National Monument, CA 🌳 Highlight: Inspiration from a Civil Rights Icon This park honors the legacy of César Chávez and the farmworkers' movement. Ranger Miranda shared her passion for the outdoors and told us how she was inspired by her mother to continue Chávez’s fight for justice and equality. ❄️ Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM 🏺 Highlight: Snowstorm & Ancient Ruins Despite a New Mexico snowstorm, Ranger RisingBuffalo guided us through Chaco’s ancient ruins, which were once the center of a vibrant Ancestral Puebloan civilization. We learned about their advanced architecture and how the buildings align with celestial events. 🐾 Crater Lake National Park, OR 🦎 Highlight: Newts & Crystal Blue Waters Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, is the deepest lake in the U.S. Its crystal-clear waters are mesmerizing. Ranger John introduced us to the park’s endemic newts, explaining how they’ve adapted to this unique environment. 🏝️ Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA 🐎 Highlight: Horses, History & Pristine Beauty This protected island is known for its wild horses, historic mansions, and unspoiled beaches. Ranger Robin gave us a tour of the island, sharing stories about the Carnegie family and the island’s fascinating history. 🚶 Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH 🌲 Highlight: Reviving Nature Once an industrial corridor, Cuyahoga Valley is now a beautiful expanse of forests, wetlands, and scenic trails. Ranger Rebecca told us the story of its transformation and the ongoing efforts to protect its ecosystems. 🔥 Death Valley National Park, CA 🌌 Highlight: Hot Days & Dark Skies Known as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley also boasts some of the best stargazing in the world. Ranger Rhys shared stories about the desert’s extreme climate and the breathtaking night skies. 🏞️ Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, NJ/PA 🥾 Highlight: Protecting Scenic Trails This park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers, with miles of scenic trails and pristine rivers. Rangers Dani and Neal shared their work to protect these natural resources and the wildlife that call the park home. 🐢 Dry Tortugas National Park, FL 🌊 Highlight: Sea Turtles, Fort Jefferson & Sailor! This remote park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is home to stunning coral reefs and the historic Fort Jefferson. Ranger Curtis took us on a boat ride to visit sea turtle nesting sites and introduced us to his dog, Sailor, who charmed everyone on board! 🌟 That’s a Wrap on A-D Parks! Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where we’ll dive into our adventures at Parks E-H. Want to join the journey or have a park story of your own? Drop us a note at [email protected] Happy Exploring, Dacia & Steve
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |