National Park Foundation by Rehab Hassanin

Natural Wonders Panoramic Views of U.S. National Parks

Published by National Park Foundation 1201 Eye Street, NW # Suite 550B Washington, DC 20005 For a free catalog of books, call 1.202. 354.6460. © 2013 National Park Foundation. All Rights Reserved eISBN 978-1-61689-004-3 Book designer: Rehab Hassanin Cover designer: Rehab Hassanin Prented in USA Entrada Rag Natural 100

The Official Charity of America’s National Parks 1201 Eye Street, NW | Suite 550B | Washington, DC 20005 | 202.354.6460 | www.nationalparks.org

2012 2013

Natural Wonders Panoramic Views of U.S. National Parks

Natural Wonders is an offical book for the National Park Foundation. In partnership with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation enriches Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation is founded on a legacy that began a century ago, when private citizens from all walks of life took action to establish and protect our national parks. Today, the National Park Foundation carries on that tradition as the only national charitable nonprofit whose sole mission is to directly support the National Park Service.

CONTENTS 1

Introduction

CHAPTER ONE West Coast

Yosimti National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

10 Alcatraz Island 12 Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve 14 Additional Information About Bear Country in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve

CHAPTER TWO East Coast

22 Biscayne National Park 24 Congree National Park 28 Great Smoky Mountains National Park 30 Facts About East Coast Parks 32 Shenandoah National Park 33 Everglades National Park 36 Mammoth Cave National Park

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CHAPTER THREE Midwest

42 Pig bend National Park 44 Facts About Midwest Parks 46 Carisbad Caverns National Park 48 Guadalupe Mountains National Park 50 Isle Royale National Park

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1

LEADERSHIP The Honorable Ken Salazar // Chair John L. Nau, III // Vice Chair (current) Chris Sullivan // Vice Chair (former) Jonathan B. Jarvis // Secretary John Seiter // TREASURER (current) Charles Peck // TREASURER (former) Neil Mulholland // PRESIDENT AND CEO Ellen S. Alberding Al Baldwin Kathleen Brown Bruce Deifik Kirk Dornbush Edward W. Easton Tom Goss Stephen L. Hightower Karen A. Johnson Jay I. Kislak Peter Knight Ellen Malcolm Henry R. Mu単oz, III Roxanne Quimby David E. Shaw Bryan Traubert Ernesto M. Vasquez Mary Jo Veverka VICE CHAIR EMERITI Nancy H. Bechtle Morton H. Meyerson David Rockefeller, Jr.

INTRODUCTION As the only national charitable partner to the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation directly supports America’s national parks by pursuing three distinct, yet interdependent, areas of focus – conservation and preservation, education, and community engagement. OUR PROGRAMS Working with the National Park Service, local Friends Groups and the greater parks community to identify areas of need, the National Park Foundation makes annual grants to parks, providing the necessary funds to execute extraordinary programs across the national park system. OUR SUPPORTERS The National Park Foundation is honored to pay tribute to the individuals, foundations and corporations whose extraordinary generosity make it possible to continue the tradition of philanthropy at the core of the Foundation’s mission. OUR PARTNERS The National Park Foundation works with partners who share our passion for the parks. They join us in creating new opportunities to support these treasured places and provide resources and expertise that propel our mission to strengthen our national parks.

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1

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National Parks on

THE West coast of The U.S. America is a home to many wonderful national parks, but perhaps none are so picturesque as the ones on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Coast. Here, you will learn more about some of these parks and find out why they are such a great place to visit.

parks are the perfect idea we ever had, absolutely “ National American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best.

“

— Wallace Stegner

Madera counties, California 747,956 acres Yosemite national park By Suzan

Est 1890

Yosemite National Park

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.First protected in 1864, Yos emite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Yosemite National Park was established in Oct 1, 1890 and draws four million annual visitors. Almost 95 percent of the park’s 747,956 acres (roughly the size of Rhode Island) is classified as wilderness. Yosemite National Park offers an abundance of activities and sightseeing destinations. The Valley is a 7 mile wide canyon with incredible rock formations, including Capitan, the world’s tallest granite monolith and one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. Yosemite Falls is the largest waterfall in North America with breathtaking views. Peak visitation at the falls is in the spring as it is comprised entirely of melting snow. The park is alsoknown for its Giant Sequoia trees, which are estimated to be more than 3,000 years old.

6 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

A small fact: Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

YOSEMITE TOURS AND CAMPING Guided Yosemite tours are available in the valley and on the trails to the park’s popular waterfalls. Horseback riding excursions are also offered. There are plenty of interpretive programs and nature and history w alks offered throughout every year.

YOSEMITE OPERATING

Yosemite camping grounds can accommodate

The park is open all year. The Tioga, Glacier Point,

over 90,300 people. Specified areas are laid

and Mariposa Grove roads are mostly closed from

out for families, groups and even those on horse-

October/November through June due to snow

back riding excursions within the park. Winter

(the Mariposa Grove Road may be closed for a

weather in Yosemite National Park can change

shorter period). All other parks roads generally

quickly. If you’re camping in the winter, it’s

remain open all year, though chains are freque-

best to not venturetoo far off the main trails.

ntly required. Some hotels and campgrounds in

A large portion of the Yosemite’s 1,500 camp-

Yosemite Valley and Wawona, and the Valley

grounds are closed from late autumn through

Visitor Center are open all year.

the spring. When traveling or camping in the park, bring a Yosemite map and ask Yosemite park rangers for safety tips.

Hours, Seasons :

YOSEMITE ACTIVITIES & SIGHTSEEING Yosemite activities and sightseeing adventures allow you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Park. Featuring Yosemite National Park activities for people of all ages and all levels of skill, guests can experience the sights at their own comfort level.

Est 1916

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Nearest city: Hilo Visitors: 1,483,928 in 2012

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in Aug 1, 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolutio— processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most mas-

ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK

sive volcano, Mauna Loa, at 13,677 feet. Also

Hiking and Backpacking:

inside the park is Kilauea, the world’s most active

With about 33,000 acres to explore, there’s a lot

volcano, which offers scientists insights on the

of ground to cover in Hawaii Volcanoes National

birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views

Park. From shorelines to rain forests to mountains,

of the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

the park’s diverse terrain offers interesting, scenic hikes for travelers of all skill levels. Over night backcountry hikes require free permits that can be picked up at the Visitor Emergency Operations Center. Hike through nice native grasslands to the coconut tree shaded beaches of Halape, and you might catch a glimpse of sea turtle hatchlings scrambling to the ocean.

8 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

2012 2013 Hawaii County, Hawaii 333,000 acres Magma River in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park By Vivid Corvid

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1

2012 2013

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolutio—processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa, at 13,677 feet. Also inside the park is Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, which offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of the dramatic volcanic landscapes. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.

1 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

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San Francisco Bay, California 22 acres Magma River in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by By vividcorvid

Right: “The Rock”, Alcatraz Island By Edward Left: Alcatraz Resort By F.T.Aiello NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1

Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska 5,994 acres View of the Aniakchak Caldera By David Gin

1 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Est 1978

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve

Given its remote location and notoriously bad weather, Aniakchak is one of the least visited units of the National Park System. A vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active “Ring of Fire,” the monument is home to an impressive six-mile wide, 2,500 feet. deep caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago. Aniakchak National Monument is located on the Alaska Peninsula, 450 to 490 miles southwest of Anchorage, and is inaccessible by road. Access to the park hinges on the unpredictable weather and can delay arrivals and departures. Visitors can arrive via plane or boat. Air taxis can be chartered from King Salmon and Alaska nearby small towns and villages. Air charters can land you at Meshik Lake, Surprise Lake in the caldera, or Aniakchak, Amber, or Kujulik bays on the Pacific Ocean. The Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is one of the least visited units of the National Park System. Regularly scheduled commercial flights to King Salmon AKN, the location of National Park Service administrative headquarters and the starting point for many Aniakchak adventures, are available from Anchorage via Pen Air and Alaska Airlines.

A small fact: Given its remote location and notoriously bad weather, Aniakchak is one of the least visited units of the National Park System.

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 13

Aniakchak is Bear Country! Bear Safety

When Father Hubbard first climbed into Aniakchak Caldera in 1930, his first dramatic experience —after the scenery— was with a female brown bear and her cub. Brown bears remain numerous throughout this area because of good forage conditions and seasonal availability of ample dietary protein in the form of salmon. The following guidelines helps traveling safely in bear country: MAKE NOISE In dense stands of willow or alder and other conditions that hamper visibility, make lots of noise so bears can hear you approach. Bears may perceive you as a threat if you startle them. By making noise such as clapping, singing, or even FOOD STORAGE

talking loudly, you can alert a bear to your pres-

All food, beverages, garbage, and any other

ence and it will likely choose to avoid you. Try to

odorous items must be attended at all times.

stay with a group when traveling in bear country.

They should be stored in a bear-resistant con-

A group is noisier, easier for a bear to detect, and

tainer (BRC, or “bear barrel”). A limited supply

more intimidating than one person or two people.

of BRCs are available for temporary check out, free of charge at the King Salmon Visitor Center. Do not plan on hanging as a method of storage; trees are sparse in the Aniakchak and generally not suitable for hanging food. GEAR STORAGE Keep your belongings with you: A pack or clothing left unattended invites curious bears. Not only will your belongings likely be destroyed, but the bear may also learn to associate such items with interesting smells or, even worse, food.

AVOID CLOSE ENCOUNTERS If you see a bear that is unaware of your presence or far away, back away slowly and quietly while keeping an eye on the bear.

FISHING AROUND BEARS Remember: Bears come here to fish, too. When bear activity is at its peak, both bears and anglers compete for the same resources. Stop fishing whenever bears are close enough to see or hear you and break your line if you encounter a bear. A bear quickly learns to associate anglers and/or the splashing of a fish in play with an easy meal and can take away your fish in seconds. A bear that has learned that humans are a good

like the “ Wilderness, national park system,

“

was an American idea. — Stewart Udall

source of food may become dangerous to people in the park and in local communities outside the park. In most cases such bears must eventually be destroyed. You can prevent this by being aware of how to behave to protect yourself and the bears.

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 15

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Muir, Our National Parks

“

“ One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

Surprise Lake inside Aniakchak Caldera By RangerRoy

2012 2013

National Parks on

THE east coast of The U.S. The East Coast National Parks range from Acadia in Maine to the Everglades in South Florida. Not only are these great and wild places in distinct locations, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also ecologically disparate, with everything from windswept mountains to steamy swamps. All are terrific travel destinations.

Biscayne National Park News Biscayne is an underwater wilderness. Only five percent of the park is land—about 480 small barrier coral reef islands and a mangrove shoreline, the longest such undeveloped shore on Florida’s east coast. Park wildlife musters under water in the form of minuscule, unusual, or rarely seen animals. Biscayne embraces a complex ecosystem that extends from the mangrove shoreline to the Gulf Stream. Besides the mangrove coast and living reef, the ecosystem includes two other biological realms found on the small islands and the shallow bay’s marine nursery. The realms are interwoven, and each sustains still other webs of life. Guarding all this are the northernmost Florida Keys, ancient exposed coral reefs that keep the ocean waves from battering the bay. Thus shielded, the bay offers sanctuary to the life within it and beauty to those who come to look beneath the surface.

22 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Located in southern Florida, within sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park preserves Biscayne Bay, one of the top scuba diving areas in the United States. Within the national park, which is over 90% water, there is an extensive mangrove forest along the shoreline, a portion of the world’s third-longest living coral reef, and the northernmost Florida Keys. Popular activities at Biscayne National Park include boating, snorkeling, camping and wildlife watching. While Biscayne National Park was established primarily for its natural features, it also preserves and tells the story of human history over 10,000 years. Nearly every island in the park has evidence of use by native peoples and below the water’s surface are the remains of many shipwrA small fact: Convoy Point (home of Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center) is considered one of South Florida’s best windsurfing locations.

ecks. The park’s Maritime Heritage Trail, which is accessible via scuba and/or snorkel, offers an exciting opportunity to explore the remains of six shipwrecks, spanning nearly a century and a wide variety of sizes and vessel types.

2012 2013

Richland County, South Carolina 26,546-acre View of the Congaree national park By Maik Rim 1 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Est 2003

Congaree National Park

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of state champion trees. It is established on November 10, 2003. This park was named for the Native American tribe that lived here centuries ago. They were decimated in the 18th century, victims of a smallpox epidemic that came over with European settlers. Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the parks floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the east coast of the United States.

A small fact: Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S.

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 25

beauty and grandeur of individual trees, and in nu ber â&#x20AC;&#x153; Inandthevariety of species, the Sierra forests surpass all others.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Muir, Our National Parks

Est 1934

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nearest city: North Carolina and Tennessee Visitors: 9,008,830 in 2011

Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most visited

SOME GREAT ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK

national park. With over 800 mi of maintained

Cycling in the Smokies:

trails, nearly 80 historic buildings, spectacular

Cyclists love the Cades Cove loop in the Great

displays of wildflowers and a wide variety of

Smoky Mountains National Park. Touring this

animals including approximately 1,500 bears,

historic community on two wheels is one of the

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers

best ways to explore the area up close. Bring

a myriad of activities to enjoy.

along a picnic lunch for the trip and enjoy a day in the mountain air as you cruise the Gatlinburg bike trails. Picnicking: Craving hotdogs, potato salad, water melon and ants? There are eleven picnic areas to choose from in the park many have pavilions that can be reserved in advance.

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North Carolina and Tennessee 187,000 acres Great Smoky Mountains NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1 By Gary Mou

Maine’s beautiful and rugged coastline draws the visitor northward to share the history of the people of this state and their ties to the land. One can stand at the northern most reaches of the Appalachian trail and learn about historical resources protected through cooperation.

Visitors in 2011

NATIONAL PARKS OF MAINE

2,374,645

Facts

Visitors in 2005

208,936

Facts

NATIONAL PARKS OF PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania’s resources allow a visitor to enter the mind of literary geniuses, visit the home of a past president, or tour historic railroads. While enjoying the recreational opportunities of the state’s scenic trails, rivers, and geologic “gaps”, one should also take the time to pay respect at those sites dedicated to those who have lost their lives from acts of terrorism, war, and the natural disaster.

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Visitors in 2008

376,282

Facts

NATIONAL PARKS OF FLORIDA Florida is a diverse ecosystem of mangroves, sloughs, pinelands, magnificent coral reefs and seashores making home to beautiful and endangered wildlife. Historic forts and monuments tell the history of early exploration of this land and the efforts to protect it.

Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural and natural resources offer retreats from the stresses and fast pace of urban life. Its peaceful seashores allow the visitor time to sit to relax while watching for wild horses and crashing waves. Take a drive down urban scenic parkways or a walk along historic canals. Continue your walk through history to learn about major events of the Civil War or to visit the birth site of this nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anthem.

Visitors in 2004

NATIONAL PARKS OF MARYLAND

126,689

Facts

Virginia 199,100 acres Right: Shenandoah National Park in Virginia By Lora Albert Left: Crescent Rock Pano - Shenandoah National Park By AppalachianViews.com 1 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

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Miami-Dade, Monroe, & Collier counties, Florida 1,508,538 acres Everglades National Park, By NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marshall Space Flight Center

Est 1947

Everglades National Park

The Everglades national park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Also, it is heaven for lovers of the great outdoors, with loads of nature to watch, tons of trails for hikers,and sailing, snorkelling and diving for watersports fans – plus beachcombing and relaxing for those who want a ‘proper’ holiday. Everglades National Park is only a one hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami, but the park encompasses 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitat with one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. It was for this very reason that Congress established the park of Everglades as a National Park in 1934. The Everglades park has since been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site. At least one million people from all over the world visit the Everglades each year. There are three main entry points: the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, which is closest to Naples and south of Everglades city; the Shark Valley area that can be accessed by US 41 (also known as the Tamiami Trail); and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, the park’s main headquarters.

34 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

A small fact: Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

DID YOU KNOW? Limestone is the porous, sedimentary rock you see in the Everglades. These rocks are made of calcium and contain fossils of sea life, evidence of ancient seas that once covered the area. The limestone aquifer under the Everglades acts The Florida Everglades are home to a diverse

as the principal water recharge area for all of

array of wildlife within the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five different

south Florida.

habitats: the Hammock, Mangrove, Pineland, Sawgrass, and Slough. Notable Everglades ani-

Everglades National Park holds the largest cont-

mals include tree frogs, alligators, the American

inuous stand of sawgrass prairie in America.

crocodile, and the Florida panther.

Deer, apple snails, muskrats, and alligators are just some of the species wildlife that utilize this

TOP TEN ACTIVITIES IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 1. Take the road from Homestead to Flamingo. 2. Explore Cape Sable and Florida Bay by boat. 3. Take in the Shark Valley panorama. 4. Wallow in the Wilderness Waterway. 5. Hike through the Big Cypress National park. 6. Go diving for Coral. 7. Get beneath the surface at Biscayne Bay. 8. Find sanctuary in the Corkscrew Swamp. 9. Witness the migrating birds and collect shells at Sanibel. 10. Trip to the Turtle tropics.

habitat for survival. Limestone is the porous, sedimentary rock you see in the Everglades. These rocks are made of calcium and contain fossils of sea life, evidence of ancient seas that once covered the area. The limestone aquifer under the Everglades acts as the principal water recharge area for all of south Florida.

Est 1941

Mammoth Cave National Park

Nearest city: Cave city Visitors: 483,319 in 2011

It is located in Edmonson, Hart, and Barren counties, Kentucky, USA and established on July 1941. Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system, with more than 365 miles explored. Cave tours have been offered since

Native Americans of the Early Woodland period

1816, which makes Mammoth Cave one of the

gathered minerals from Mammoth Cave between

oldest tour attractions in North America. While

2,000 and 4,000 years ago. No one knows why.

cave tours are the park’s big attraction, there

Objects they left behind– slippers, cane torches,

is plenty more to do and explore while visiting

gourds, and mussel shells remain perfectly pre-

this beautiful wilderness area, such as hiking,

served in the cave.

camping, horseback riding and fishing. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave, with more than 400 miles of interconnected passages—so long that if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet’s longest cave and have 100 miles left over!

36 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Edmonson, Hart, and Barren counties, Kentucky 52,830 acres Mammoth Cave Inside By Brainan

the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace “Climb will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will

“

blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Muir, Our National Parks

2012 2013

National Parks on

THE midwest of The U.S. The national park sites of the Midwest are steeped in history, wrapped in the fabric of American culture, and spectacular in their natural beauty. Also, the midwest national parks have many activities inside which make it good for visitors to visit.

Brewster County, Texas 801,163 acres Big Bend National Park. Dorgan Ranch Ruins. By Bruce Ellingson

1 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Est 1944

Big Bend National Park

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.

Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. Big Bend was established as a national park in June of 1935, preserving the largest tracts of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. The park is comprised of 1,252 square miles of land, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. Within Big Bend National Park are numerous geographical contrasts. These include the vegetation belts along the Rio Grande, the sparseness of the Chihuahuan Desert, the peaks of the Chisos Mountains, and the limes-tone outcrops of Persimmon Gap and Boquillas Canyon. Air temperature changes by five degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation you gain or lose; temperatures in the High Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park can be 30 degrees cooler than temperatures along the Rio Grande.

A small fact: Campers can occupy a specific site up to 14 total nights in a year. Between Feb1Apr 15, visitors are limited to a total of 14 nights in the Big Bend National Park.

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 43

Visitors in 2012

304,046

Facts

NATIONAL PARKS OF NEBRASKA Nebraska’s natural resources depict the geologic history of the land and offer recreation along its scenic rivers while its monuments and landmarks honor westward migration and American’s pursuit for a better life.

North Dakota offers the visitor a cultural and natural history encompassing the 19th century fur trade, Native American history, and stories of those who explored this country.

44 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

Visitors in 2012

NATIONAL PARKS OF NORTH DAKOTA

669,242

Facts

Oklahoma protects natural resources and provides relaxation and recreation opportunities for visitors. One also has the option of pretending to stand trial in a historic federal court or to pay respect to those who died as a result of a terrorist attack and those who died from the pursuit of manifest destiny.

Visitors in 20 12

NATIONAL PARKS OF OKLAHOMA

1,497,654

Facts

Visitors in 2012

3,939,160

Facts

NATIONAL PARKS OF TEXAS Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vast wild landscape is diverse with massive earth faults, protected quarries, and miles and miles of barrier island seashore. While exploring these natural resources learn about the cultural history of the border coast, globally impor tant bird areas, biospheres, international treaties, and the good and the bad of relations between the U.S. and Mexico.

Eddy County, New Mexico 46,766 acres Carlsbad Caverns National Park By Michel Gondry

2012 2013

Magma River in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by By vividcorvid

NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 1

Est 1976

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Nearest city: Carlsbad, New Mexico Visitors: 159,360 in 2012

Guadalupe Mountains National Park safeguards the world’s finest example of a fossilized reef, a surprisingly complex and unique assemblage of flora and fauna, and West Texas’ only legally designated wilderness. Here, one can experience solitude, tranquility, and the joy of finding plants and animals whose mastery of survival renews our sense of wonder. Rising from the

The long narrow leaves of the desert willow

desert, this mountain mass contains portions of

(Chilopsis linearis) gives it its common name,

the world’s most extensive & significant Permian

but it is not a true willow. It is beautiful when

limestone fossil reef. Also featured are a treme-

in bloom, and provides valuable nectar for

ndous earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual flora

hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other

and fauna, and a colorful record of the past.

beautiful insects. The Guadalupe Mountains are sometimes referred to the “Island in the Desert” because they rise more than 5,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor. This “island” offers so much to explore. Three ecosystems — ancient limestone reef canyons, maple and oak woodlands and coniferous forests of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine — combine to form a wondrous and unique national park.

48 NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

2012 2013

Hudspeth County, Texas 86,367 acres NATIONAL FOUNDATION 1 National El Capitan in the PARK Guadalupe, Mountains Park on the, Texas Mountain Trail By Kim David

Isle Royale National Park News Wolves and moose, the wild North Woods forest, ever changing weather and a cool climate, and the crystal clear waters and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle Royale National Park. 99% of the land mass is federally designated wilderness. The park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends 4 1/2 miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated.Isle Royale has 165 mi of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers, paddlers, and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat.

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COOL FACTS: The isolation makes this a unique bio-preserve. Isle Royale has freshwater clams, snails, and insects in sizes and densities not seen elsewhere since the 1800s (bring DEET). It’s also the only place where moose and wolves coexist without bears to balance atop the predator pole. Isle Royale was designated as the Biosphere Reserve on February 17, 1981. It is a part of a program designed to protect examples of the different ecosystems of the world and to encA small fact: Although the yearly number of visitors to Isle Royale is less than Yellowstone receives in a day, the Island’s per acre backcountry use is the highest of all National Parks in the United States.

ourage research. It was chosen for its unspoiled nature and represents the nor-thern lake forest. Ryan Island on Isle Royale’s Siskiwit Lake is the largest island on the largest lake on the largest island on the largest freshwater lake in the world.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Muir, Our National Parks

is Nature’s own reservation, and every lover of wildness will “ This rejoice with me that by kindly frost it is so well defended.

“

2012 2013

“In the beauty and grandeur of individual trees, and in number and variety of species, the Sierra forests surpass all others” — John Muir, Our National Parks

National Park Foundation