America’s National Parks Podcast

The Explore Act, a package of public lands bills that provides reforms to the permit process, legalizes filming in national parks, adds accessible trails, extends the Every Kid Outdoors program, and more, has now passed both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed by President Biden.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

In this month’s national park news roundup, a semi-truck catches fire in Death Valley, changes to campground reservations at Acadia, and more

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

Between avoiding snakebites and fending off the dreaded dysentery, fans of the popular game “The Oregon Trail” are sure to be familiar with Fort Laramie. Situated roughly a quarter of the way through the historic trek from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley in modern-day Oregon, the Fort began as a fur trading post, served as a critical juncture for emigrants heading west, and eventually became one of the largest military posts on the Northern Plains. Before its abandonment in 1890, Fort Laramie would also bear witness to sweeping expansion and the heated negotiations between American Indians and the United States Government that would ultimately define the American West.   Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at https://rvshare.com. Join Jason Epperson in this month's National Park news roundup. Key updates include 2025 timed entry requirements for several national parks like Arches, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, and Yosemite. Discover changes in reservation systems and what it means for your 2025 travel plans. Also, could Chesapeake Bay become a national park? Recent incidents at Yellowstone, policy shifts under the incoming Interior Secretary and more.  Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784 *****Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers  Subscribe to the NEW RV Miles Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RVMilesPodcast.  ******************************Connect with RV Miles: RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmilesShop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmilesRV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglistMile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2024

Standing in the shadows of giant redwood trees is an awe-inducing experience. In California, there's a national park protecting those redwoods and it's one of the state's best-kept secrets. Home to the world's tallest living trees, this world heritage site and international biosphere reserve protects nearly half the world's old-growth redwoods. Come discover thousands of acres of protected forests, pristine and wild scenic rivers, and rugged coastlines hosting whales, seals, and wildflowers in California's Redwood National and State Parks.  Written By Jennifer Molidor Hosted By Jason Epperson   Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2024

By the start of 1933, thousands of banks across America had already closed their doors. 13 million Americans were unemployed and the stock market had crashed, leaving the United States in the worst economic crisis in modern history. In the twelve years that would follow, the Dust Bowl would ravage the plains and render former farmland useless, heightening the impacts of the depression as the Second World War brought the entire world to a standstill.  But Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR as many would come to know him, would take it all in stride. Born in Hyde Park, New York in 1882, he was elected to the New York Senate in 1910, would go on to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson, and finally as the Governor of New York before being elected President of the United States in 1932. Perhaps best known for his sweeping economic programs, a deep connection with the American people, and his incredible strength shown amidst personal disaster, he would guide the country through the turbulence with courage, resilience, and, above all else, optimism.  In the heart of Washington D.C., a tribute to Roosevelt sits in a secluded corner of the National Mall. Designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin in 1974, the memorial stretches across 7.5 acres, making it the largest of any National Mall Memorial. The initial plans would wait for more than 20 years before Congress could approve the appropriate funding, but it was eventually dedicated on May 2, 1997, by President Bill Clinton. Consisting of more than 30,000 granite stones from South Dakota and Minnesota and with over 100,000 gallons of water flowing through seven fountains and pools, it is a stark contrast to the monuments that surround it, telling the story of an unprecedented presidency through elements of stone, water, and earth.  This week on America’s National Parks, take a stroll through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the lasting legacy of the 32nd President of the United States. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

On this episode of America's National Parks podcast, we explore the incredible Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Discover the park's unique geological features, including one of the world's most active volcanic areas, and witness the annual spectacle of brown bears gorging on salmon during Fat Bear Week. Learn about Katmai's rich biodiversity, fascinating history, and the essential role of conservation. Get ready for an unforgettable wild adventure in one of America's most remote national parks.   Written By Jennifer Molidor Hosted By Jason Epperson   Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.    00:00 Introduction to Katmai National Park 00:42 Geography and Wildlife of Katmai 02:08 The Volcanic History of Katmai 04:39 Cultural and Historical Significance 06:12 The Salmon Run and Brown Bears 13:08 Visiting Katmai National Park 15:58 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

Join Jason Epperson for crucial updates on the ongoing recovery efforts in National Parks affected by hurricanes. Other stories include the renaming of Clingman's Dome to Kuwohi, new memorials in Washington, D.C., and the 2025 U.S. Forest Service hiring freeze. Stay informed about park closures, maintenance needs, and the latest developments in our national parks!   ***** Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784 Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2024

This episode of America's National Parks delves into the historic significance of the Yorktown Battlefield within the Colonial National Historic Park. It explores the climactic moments of the American Revolutionary War in 1781, where British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, highlighting Washington's tactical brilliance and the dire conditions faced by both armies. The episode also examines Yorktown's role during the Civil War, focusing on General George McClellan's hesitations during the Siege of Yorktown and contrasting them with General Ulysses S. Grant’s aggressive tactics at the Battle of Shiloh. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2024

From the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the cliffs of Capitol Reef, there is no shortage of beauty in Utah. Still, the stunning landscape of Utah goes far beyond the “Mighty Five.” A wealth of National Monuments, Historic Parks, Recreation Areas, and Historic Trails can be found within its borders, and in the southeastern corner of the state sits one unit that receives barely over 100,000 visitors per year. Natural Bridges National Monument protects a collection of canyons and a trio of natural rock bridges. Those who do make the trip to the Monument find a delicate and desolate landscape that tells an intricately woven story of the people who called it home, of time, and above all else, of water. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2024

In this episode, we're sharing some national park trip tips for those who feel that national parks aren't all they've cracked up to be. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, we cover a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon's water crisis and recovery, Yosemite's indefinite closure of the historic Wawona Hotel, Death Valley's record-breaking summer temperatures, and the adoption of electric bikes and buses at various parks. Learn about these critical updates and more to stay informed on what’s happening in America's cherished natural landscapes. Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

This episode delves into the history of the Teton Valley, focusing on early settlers, dude ranches, and the eventual creation of Grand Teton National Park. Highlights include transforming harsh, isolated land into thriving dude ranches by pioneers like Struthers Burt and Louis Joy, the romanticized Western experience sought by Easterners, and the rise of commercial developments that threatened the region's authenticity. The ranchers that opposed federal control eventually became the new National Park's biggest champions.   Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lizzie Tesch   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

From rumored Bigfoot sightings to a vanishing island, there is no shortage of mystery in the waters of Crater Lake. At 1,943 feet, the lake is the seventh deepest in the world and is best known for its sapphire blue color and astonishing size. Visitors can marvel at the massive crater formed thousands of years ago in a volcanic eruption and enjoy many activities that change with the seasons, but many find themselves drawn to a stump. Referred to as "The Old Man," the log has slowly navigated the lake's waters for well over 100 years, and the mystery of its movement and ability to remain upright continues to perplex scientists and parkgoers alike. Early travelers stood atop it in the open water; others were certain it controlled the weather. Still, like the lake itself, The Old Man is an indescribable fascination that continues to inspire the minds of many. This week America'sa’s National Parks, Crater Lake, and the Old Man. Hosted by Jason Epperson Written By Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

Join us for the latest updates in National Park news. This episode covers the collapse of a popular double arch in Glen Canyon, the establishment of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, and new features on Recreation.gov for park entry bookings. You’ll also hear about recent lightning strike incidents at Horseshoe Bend, prohibited base jumping in the Grand Canyon, vandalism at Joshua Tree, elk poaching in Redwood National Park, and the partial reopening of Lassen Volcanic National Park following fire evacuations. Stay informed and plan your next adventure with this week's National Parks news roundup. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

In this episode of America's National Parks, explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. Delve into its rich fossil record, uncovering the exceptional dinosaur discoveries unique to the area. Discover the park's crucial scientific contributions to understanding prehistoric climates, evolutionary patterns, and current biodiversity, including a significant bee study.    Hosted by Jason Epperson Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2024

Discover the mesmerizing natural wonders of Yosemite through the eyes of 19th-century photographer Carleton Watkins. Travel back to the time when photography was in its infancy, and learn about Watkins' grueling journey with almost a ton of photographic equipment to capture the untamed splendor of Yosemite. Witness how Watkins' stunning images influenced pivotal figures, including President Abraham Lincoln, leading to the establishment of the Yosemite Grant Act of 1864. Despite the grandeur he captured, Watkins' personal life was marked by tragic decline, culminating in an unmarked grave.   Hosted By Jason Epperson Written by Jonathan Shipley   Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

In this episode of America's National Parks, host Jason Epperson interviews Nate Hegyi, host and senior producer of the acclaimed Outside/In podcast. They discuss Nate's journey from an outdoor-averse child to an enthusiastic adult exploring North America in a camper van. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in environmental journalism today, focusing on how to tell engaging and memorable stories about nature and climate change without overwhelming the audience. Nate shares insights from his diverse experiences, from covering hidden histories to addressing complex environmental issues. Nate highlights the importance of curiosity-driven storytelling and offers a preview of intriguing upcoming topics on the Outside/In podcast. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. 00:00 Introduction01:05 Sponsor Message: RVShare03:12 Nate's Outdoor Origin Story04:46 Adventures and Travels06:57 Becoming an Environmental Journalist10:57 Challenges in Covering Climate Change13:39 Engaging Storytelling in Environmental Journalism18:32 Upcoming Episodes of Outside/In20:13 Conclusion and Farewell

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

In this month's National Park News Round-Up, we're sharing the story of how Yellowstone rangers stopped a plot for an independence day mass shooting, a string of heat-related and drowning deaths in parks around the country, a piece of Theodore Roosevelt history is returned after a theft in the 70's, and more. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

On a hot Texas day, the splash of water from an irrigation gate is a welcome sound to those who rely on it this water to grow corn, peppers, squash and other foods. Water is the lifeblood of the farming communities of the San Antonio missions.  But how do you irrigate arid landscapes without modern plumbing? You build acequias. Brought by 18th-century Spanish missionaries, these gravity-based canal systems are ingenious ways to share water. Acequias helped establish the city of San Antonio and feed people along the San Antonio River for 300 years.  On this episode of America’s National Parks: the Acequias of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.  Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Just about 40 miles outside of Chicago and nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park, combined with the neighboring state park of the same name, protects over 17,000 acres of sand dunes, ecological wonders, and diverse habitats. Amongst them sits a swell dedicated to the life and legacy of one of the earliest advocates of the park. To those of her time, she was known as the “mysterious nymph of the dunes,” but today she is better known as “Diana.”  For nearly a decade, Alice Mabel Gray lived amidst the sand. Escaping from the never-ceasing pace of Chicago during the second industrial revolution and leaving behind a life of higher education, her days were spent much like those of the modern park visitor: swimming in the lake, pacing long stretches of beautiful shoreline, and trekking through quiet woodlands. Like many others, she was in search of solitude, but as Alice came to find companionship in the dunes, her story would baffle the nation and lead to legends based on both truth and rumor.  This week on America’s National Parks, Indiana Dunes National Park and Diana of the Dunes. Written by Lizzie Tesch Hosted by Jason Epperson Save $30 off a $500+ RV rental at rvshare.com

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

In Buffalo, New York, a collection of paintings lay neglected in a storage area of the Museum of Science for many decades. Once coveted, these paintings were no longer deemed aligned with the museum’s vision. How had a science museum become interested in art depicting Zion National Park? And what was to become of the paintings? Art and the national parks go hand in hand in many ways, especially for the early national parks, and Zion is no exception. Hosted By Jason Epperson Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Use promo code PARKS30 for $30 off a rental of $500 or more at www.rvshare.com

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, Yellowstone plans to keep more bison each year, Teton Pass could wreak havoc on Grand Teton and Yellowstone visitors, a rare white bison is born, a grizzly has a litter of five cubs, and a whole lot more.    ***** Become a Mile Marker Member and support this content. Learn more at https://RVMiles.com/milemarkers

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Despite its proximity to major metropolitan areas, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a serene escape that feels worlds away. With its sweeping beaches and wild horses, the island embodies the natural beauty preserved by dedicated conservationists. But the island's story is unique, shaped not only by human efforts but also by one of the most destructive hurricanes of the 20th century. Join us as we delves into the creation of Assateague Island National Seashore, exploring its dynamic landscape, the resilience of its ecosystems, and the dramatic events that led to its preservation. Written By James Fester Hosted By Jason Epperson Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

On May 10th 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis personally penned one of the most unusual orders in the US Army’s history to Brevet Major Henry C. Wayne. It read, in part: "Sir: [You are] assigned to special duty in connection with the appropriation for importing camels for army transportaion and for other military purposes." The order represented a victory for Davis in a four-year struggle with Congress to establish a camel corps within the US Army. As a US Senator, he introduced the measure in Congress in 1851 and 1852, only to have it literally laughed out of committee on both occasions. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2024

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. When John Wilkes Booth shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln, he broke his left leg in the process, leaping to the stage at Ford's Theater. He and his getaway man on the door of Dr. Samuel Mudd at four in the morning for assistance. Mudd set, splinted, and bandaged the broken leg. The two stayed with Mudd for about 12 hours as the doctor's handyman made a pair of crutches. Within days Dr. Mudd was arrested and charged with conspiracy and with harboring Booth and Harold during their escape.  Today, we’re revisiting the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd, one of the earliest stories we told on the show. In 1936, a film was made loosely based on Mudd's story called THE PRISONER OF SHARK ISLAND, and two years later, it was adapted into a radio drama starring Gary Cooper as part of the Lux Radio Theater. On this episode, we're playing that program for you. Hosted By Jason Epperson Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Reach out to us at [email protected].

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com. In this episode, we're looking at the federal government's decision to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades, Death Valley National Park has reopened most of its roads after last year's severe flooding, a group of skiers is rescued at Kenai Fjords, and more.  Comment on the Rocky Mountain National Park camping fee increase proposal here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/RMNP_FrontcountryCampground_Fees_2024

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Once the only access road to Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Gorge provides a harsh and beautiful stone causeway that opens up into a world of bizarre and varied stone formations, desert washes both narrow and wide, and the types of plants common in the high desert – stunted trees like pinyon pine and Utah juniper, prickly pear cactus, the brilliant orange of globemallows and striking red of desert paintbrush.  And then a sight that is unfathomable in the desert: the delicate, showy blossoms of fruit trees.   The blooming and fruiting trees create a strange and wonderful picture set against the magnificent cliffs and rocks of the high desert. Hosted By Jason Epperson Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2024

What's with the big controversy over wild horses? In this episode, we take a look at these creatures and their place in the ecology and history of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2024

In this episode, we're taking a look two vandalism incidents in national parks, a lawsuit against the National Park Service over not accepting cash as payment for entrance at some units, some potential new and expanded national monuments, and the details of the upcoming National Park Week. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

In this episode, we're taking a look at the new EXPLORE act, passed by the US House of Representatives and on its way to the Senate, that will establish new bike trails, new accessible trails, ease concessionaire permitting in National Parks, and more, along with revamping the rules that pretty much shut down filming videos in national parks over the past few years. Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2024

In this episode of America's National Parks, we embark on a journey of comparison and discovery, exploring the grandeur of the natural world through the lens of America's most treasured landscapes. From the towering sequoias of California and the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon to the cliffs of Zion and the shifting sands of the Great Sand Dunes, we compare these natural wonders to man-made marvels, offering a unique perspective on scale and the awe-inspiring power of nature. Hosted by Jason Epperson Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2024

An entire food chain lives in the Everglades. But throughout its coexistence with man, the Everglades have been threatened by poachers, who disrupt the delicate balance of this important ecosystem.  By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2024

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is one of the greenest buildings in the National Park Service inventory. In this episode, we take a look at how it cools without air conditioners, heats without a furnace, and more. Plus, as park visitation grows, how a second visitor center on the other side of the park could improve the visitor experience.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2024

In this episode, we look at the final National Park visitation numbers for 2023, a new budget for the NPS from the White House, an employee housing crisis in the National Park Service, a new look at Gateway Arch National Park, and more. Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2024

In this episode, we delve into the untold stories of the women who lived in the shadows of America's majestic landscapes, their lives intertwined with the national parks we cherish today. The wives of National Park Rangers played a pivotal role in the early days of the National Park Service, yet their contributions have largely gone unrecognized. As we explore the isolation, challenges, and the remarkable resilience of these women, we uncover how they not only supported their families in the most remote wildernesses but also served as de facto rangers, contributing significantly to the operations and development of the parks. From leading tours to pioneering educational programs, their legacy is an integral part of the national park experience.   Hosted by Jason Epperson With Narration by Abigail Trabue Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024

Dive into the heart of Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park, a landscape where the Painted Desert's kaleidoscopic hues meet the ancient, stone-cast logs of the Petrified Forest. This episode takes you through the mesmerizing colors and geological wonders that define the park, from the brilliant reds and oranges sculpted by mineral sediments to the fascinating process that transformed wood into quartz over millions of years. Explore the rich tapestry of past life, the deep human history etched into the land, and the strict conservation efforts preserving this unique ecosystem. By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

In this month's national park news, new-to-science fossils have been uncovered at Mammoth Cave and John Day Fossil Beds, a rabies scare is taking hold at Saguaro National Park, a man gets convicted for diverting the Platte River at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and more. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2024

Set against the backdrop of Miami’s skyline, six structures rise from the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Rugged and isolated, these houses on stilts are an unexpected site in the midst of a national park water world that was designated to preserve the coral reefs, seagrasses, mangrove forests, and other natural features. Cormorants and herons perch on the houses' roofs, railings, and pylons. Dolphins and manatees swim between them.  Together, these six structures are all that remain of Stiltsville's whimsical history, although none are among the original twenty-seven that formed this curiosity in the midst of a national park that is ninety-five percent water.  How did such a village come to exist and what does the future hold for these few relics that remain? By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20OFF to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2024

Salem Maritime is not just any National Historic Site; it’s the first place the National Park Service was tasked with preserving that wasn’t about nature, scenery, or wildlife. Over 160 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, It was time to preserve our history. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2024

In this month's news round-up, we take a look at some concerns about the ranks of National Park Service employees: morale is lower than that of other federal employees, and Park Service criminal investigators are down by nearly half. Plus, actor Pierce Brosnan has been busted for going off-trail in a thermal area of Yellowstone, a Mexican Wolf has been spotted in Valles Caldera after nearly 100 years away, and more.  Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2024

Gold Mining drew the world's eye to the wonders of Alaska. Some of our most treasured landscapes were explored in the first place in the effort to strike it rich. But what are the ramifications of gold mining in our national parks? Even in places where it ended a century ago? In this episode, we explore the effects of gold mining in the Kantishna hills of Denali National Park. Find the Alaska Park Science Journal here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/alaskaparkscience/index.htm Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2024

George Rogers Clark, the twenty-six-year-old commander of the Kentucky Militia, petitioned Virginia governor Patrick Henry to be allowed to take 500 American troops into Kentucky (already annexed to Virginia) to conquer the Northwest for Virginia, and increase the footprint of the state and its aspiring country. He proposed to claim the key towns and forts for America, on a march to ultimately conquer Fort Detroit. Patrick Henry agreed. The 500 troops never materialized. Instead, Clark found a mere 130 or so men at his disposal. Young, persistent, bold, and innovative, he was undeterred, never considering the possibility of abandoning his plan, despite floods, starvation, and the constant threat of his scant troops slipping off in the night to scramble for home. Clark and his men accomplished one of the greatest underdog victories by means of deception.  Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com. "George Rogers Clark and the Winning of the Old Northwest" can be found here: https://amzn.to/3RZGXGj

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2023

In this episode, we share all the ins and outs of Yosemite's new returning reservation system; we share the news about three new National Park Service sites; two motorcyclists took a closed road in Death Valley and had to be rescued by the US Navy, and more. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2023

The defacement at National Park sites goes beyond graffiti, and each layer peeled back raises more questions about what destruction is vs. what a historical artifact is. Somewhere in between the ancient rock markings from the Native Americans and the brash, purposeful defacement by current-day visitors, lies an entire spectrum that comprises aa very grey area for interpretation. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2023

For this holiday season, we thought it’d be great to revisit short stories we told way back in 2018 about magical Christmases in America’s first national park. Hear the splendor of the holidays in early years at Yellowstone, and discover how three 6-year-olds saved Christmas from an impending disaster.  Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2023

At the 125th anniversary of the Battle at Gettysburg, Nearing the end of the Cold War, famous scientist Dr. Carl Sagan would re-dedicate the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. The speech, co-written with his wife Ann Druyan, juxtaposed the weapons of the Battle of Gettysburg with the weapons of subsequent wars, highlighting the increased potential for destruction with each war.  Sagan used the platform he was given to call for nuclear disarmament, underscoring the need to recognize our humanity as brothers and to work toward peace.    Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2023

From the reintroduction of timed entry systems at Arches, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks for 2024 to the National Park Service's commitment to increasing female representation in law enforcement roles, a lot is happening across the country's parks. We also dive into the concerning discovery of chronic wasting disease in a mule deer at Yellowstone National Park, the heroic rescue of an entangled humpback whale at Glacier Bay National Park, and the groundbreaking for the Texas White House Rehabilitation Project at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, and more. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2023

Imagine the crunch of rock and the creak of leather, the clatter of horse hooves against the stone, and the warm breeze that carries the scent of pine through the open plains. You're not just stepping into Yellowstone National Park; you're rolling back the curtains of time to an era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination. On this episode, we'll journey through the storied paths of Yellowstone, not on foot or by the modern comforts of our cars, but alongside the historic vehicles that have traversed this wild landscape for 150 years. Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

In the northeast corner of Utah, the westernmost entrance to Dinosaur National Monument welcomes visitors along the banks of the Green River, the road separated from the water by desert scrub foliage. The Fossil Discovery Trail snakes through the rugged landscape. The trail erupts in the colors and textures of the desert. Don’t be distracted by the scenery to discover the ultimate reward. A far cry from standing in the rotunda of a museum face to face with a dinosaur skeleton too big to miss, here the thrill is in the chase, the chance of finding dinosaur fossils embedded in the rocks.   By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring the national parks.  Use promo code PARKS20 to get $20 off your next purchase of $200 or more at solostove.com.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2023