America's National Parks Podcast
272 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 827 ratingsExplore our national parks — their history, their people, and their stories.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Poaching in the Everglades
March 31, 2024 03:40 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBAn 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.
Designing a National Park Visitor Center for the 21st Century
March 24, 2024 16:51 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBThe 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.
National Park News | Biden Proposes NPS Budget, Employee Housing Crisis, & More
March 15, 2024 17:06 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBIn 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.
Wives into the Wilderness: The Unpaid Force That Shaped National Parks
March 12, 2024 16:13 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIn 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...
Nature's Palette: Unveiling Arizona's Petrified Forest
February 28, 2024 04:09 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBDive 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 e...
National Park News | Man Diverts a National Park River, New Shark Species Discovered, Rabies Scare at Saguaro
February 12, 2024 04:49 - 10 minutes - 8.66 MBIn 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.
Stiltsville: An Offshore Hideaway at Biscayne National Park
February 02, 2024 02:39 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBSet 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 S...
Harboring History: The Salem Maritime Site and America's Cultural Treasures
January 26, 2024 06:44 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBSalem 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.
National Park News | Park Service Morale Low, Investigative Ranger Ranks Dangerously Low
January 15, 2024 03:22 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIn 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. Us...
Denali, and the Effects of Gold Mining in the Kantishna Hills
January 08, 2024 02:55 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBGold 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 Jaso...
Second Only to George Washington
December 29, 2023 02:45 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBGeorge 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 foun...
News From The Parks | Navy Rescues Motorcycles from Death Valley, 3 New National Park Sites, Yosemite Reservations Return, More
December 15, 2023 05:19 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBIn 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.
Vandalism and Capitalism vs Historical Artifacts: Defacement in the NPS
December 07, 2023 07:16 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe 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 a a very grey area for interpretation. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring t...
Christmas in Yellowstone
December 01, 2023 18:43 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBFor 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.
A Dream of Peace
November 23, 2023 05:05 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBAt 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 a...
National Park News | Park Reservations in ’24, a Daring Whale Rescue, and More
November 17, 2023 04:57 - 10 minutes - 9.87 MBFrom 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 Whi...
The Vehicles of Yellowstone
November 10, 2023 05:41 - 16 minutes - 36.6 MBImagine 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...
Dinosaurs in Situ
November 06, 2023 19:04 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIn 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...
Discovering The Bighorn
October 26, 2023 06:54 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBNestled within the rugged landscapes of Montana and Wyoming, Bighorn Canyon is a testament to nature's artistry and the relentless force of time. Carved by millennia of water erosion from the Bighorn River, this expansive chasm presents a breathtaking tableau of dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, and winding waterways. Each bend of the river and twist of the canyon tells a story, one of ancient geological processes and the indomitable spirit of life that has thrived in its niches. Today on A...
Changes to Park Passes, Grizzly Attack, Fossil Find, & More | National Park News
October 13, 2023 03:32 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MBOn this month's national park news round-up, a big change is coming to national park passes — beginning in January, the Annual Pass will only have one signature line. We have all the details, plus, a terrible grizzly bear attack in Banff, a missing hiker in the Rockies, and a Fossil Find in Glen Canyon that is truly one of a kind. Our guide to National Park Passes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u3sQVr_7zo&t=14s Hosted by Jason Epperson Visit LLBean.com to find great gear for exploring...
All Lincoln All the Time
October 02, 2023 05:01 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBFrom birth to death and many intermediate milestones, the National Park Service leads us on an odyssey along the timeline of Lincoln’s life, political career, achievements, and legacy, weaving a ribbon through Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Washington DC, and beyond. 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.
Hopewell — America’s Newest World Heritage Site
September 21, 2023 01:23 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBThe most recent session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is taking place right now in Saudi Arabia, and it was just announced that they are inscribing the 25th World Heritage Site in the United States — a group of eight ancient earthwork sites in southern Ohio — the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. In this episode, we'll delve into what's known of the history of the Earthworks and how a World Heritage Site gets listed. Today's show was sponsored by L.L.Bean: Follow the hashtag #beano...
Death Valley Closed for Weeks, Crack in Yosemite, Hiker Found by Webcam, and More | National Park News
September 14, 2023 03:43 - 8 minutes - 20 MBIn this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the disastrous effects of tropical storm Hilary at Death Valley National Park, a 200' crack that has appeared on a popular climbing route in Yosemite, and more. Sponsored by L.L.Bean - Visit llbean.com/guide for great how-tos and inspiring stories. and by: Solo Stove - Visit solostove.com and use the code PARKS20 for $20 off an order of $200 or more.
Consumption in Mammoth Cave
September 07, 2023 15:55 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBInside Mammoth Cave, people notice that the air seems surprisingly fresh and that their allergies disappear like magic. Observations such as these have been noted for centuries at least. In 1839, the property was purchased by Dr. John Croghan and entered into a most peculiar situation. While still open for tours, Dr. Croghan devised a plan to use the cave for medical purposes. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Sponsored by L.L.Bean
Riding the Rails to Nature’s Wonders: National Parks by Train
August 30, 2023 05:46 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBFrom the allure of the Orient Express to the daily grind of commuter trains, rail travel has always captured our imaginations. But did you know you can journey to some of America's most iconic national parks by train? In this episode, discover how you can combine the romance of the rails with the majesty of Glacier, Denali, the Grand Canyon, and more. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Sponsored by L.L.Bean
The Secret Spy History of Camp David | Catoctin Mountain Park
August 24, 2023 05:25 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBCatoctin Mountain Park is one of those National Park Service units that doesn't fit into any category, but its importance in American history could not be any greater. It's home to the famed presidential retreat — Camp David — but lesser known is its place in World War 2 as the secret training camp for the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA. Hosted by Jason Epperson Sponsored by L.L.Bean
2 New NPS Units, Lost in Death Valley, Plane Crash in Denali
August 17, 2023 03:59 - 9 minutes - 8.57 MBIn this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the new National Monuments, one remembering Emmett Till and the other protecting the area surrounding the Grand Canyon. Plus, two men get lost in Death Valley and hike for miles overnight in the grueling heat, and a plane crash in Denali is presumed to have no survivors.
Secret Cities
August 09, 2023 08:11 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBAs the world experiences Christopher Nolan’s new film, Oppenheimer, the world is taking a new look at the development of this great and terrible weapon under the organization of the Manhattan Project. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the three main sites that would be chosen for the Manhattan Project to develop a bomb that would undoubtedly change the world. America's Secret Cities. Visit https://www.nps.gov/mapr/index.htm to learn more about the NPS site covered in this week's ep...
The Importance of...the Butt
July 29, 2023 06:36 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBSet against the backdrop of rolling hills in western Wyoming, Fossil Butte National Monument, like so many other parks, presents a variety of activities. But one exhibit shares the fascinating story of a type of fossil that you probably haven't thought of: Fossilized poop. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Hosted by Jason Epperson Sponsored by L.L.Bean
The Kennedys and the Promise of a Better Future for Those Living With Disabilities
July 23, 2023 08:14 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBAt the close of the 2019 visitor season, the JFK National Historic Site closed its doors, the collections were safely secured, and the site prepared for an extensive facelift. The plan involved the installation of an accessible visitor center, along with other much-needed maintenance. Originally set to begin in early 2020, unforeseen hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the work to 2022. Now, in 2023, the work is finally reaching completion. Since its opening in 1969, the site has unde...
Yosemite Traffic Nightmare, Slew of Deaths in National Parks
July 13, 2023 06:50 - 9 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the difficult situation at Yosemite, where the timed-entry reservation system is gone for the first year since 2019, causing huge traffic problems. Plus hot weather and roaring waters are taking the lives of several visitors to parks, rules on e-bikes, and more. Comment on e-bikes here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=117364 Comment on the Yosemite Traffic Management Plan here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/get...
Women Trailblazers of the National Park Service: Stories of Courage and Conservation
June 22, 2023 06:33 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBEmbark on an exploration of the remarkable women who blazed trails within the National Park Service. Join us as we delve into the lives of Betty Reid Soskin, Dr. Beatrice Willard, Florence Bascom, and more. From Betty's groundbreaking role as the oldest park ranger to Dr. Willard's botanical discoveries and Florence's pioneering work in geology, discover the resilience, passion, and enduring contributions of these extraordinary women as they shaped conservation and preserved history, leaving...
Two for the Price of One
June 14, 2023 21:20 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBArizona conjures up images of desert washes, enormous saguaro cacti with arms stretching to the sky, and endless sunshine regardless of the season. But if you travel north to Flagstaff, the environment changes dramatically. Situated at nearly 7000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is surrounded by Coconino National Forest. The many varieties of evergreen trees in the forest color the area green, even in the winter: spruce, fir, pine, cypress, and juniper – multiple types of each. Snow falls in abund...
National Park News: Pot Farms Keep Cropping Up In Death Valley National Park
May 31, 2023 17:11 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this month's national park news roundup, we're covering all the delayed openings and closures caused by the unprecedented winter snowpack in the West. But it's not all bad news — lakes Mead and Powell are rising, and the Colorado basin states have finally come to an agreement over how to manage their water use. We also share some concerning animal-human interactions in national parks and take a look at an illegal pot farm discovered in Death Valley, an occurrence that happens more often t...
Yellowstone After the Floods
May 21, 2023 22:00 - 14 minutes - 33 MBIn June 2022, the rivers of Yellowstone's Northern Range unleashed a devastating flood, shattering century-long records and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This natural disaster not only disrupted park operations but also raised important questions about its cause, the likelihood of future floods, and the need for early detection. In this episode of America's National Parks Podcast, we dive into the aftermath of the flood and explore the efforts to understand, predict, and mitiga...
Escape from Alcatraz
May 12, 2023 08:08 - 15 minutes - 36.3 MBThis week, we're setting sail for Alcatraz, the infamous island prison once deemed inescapable. But in 1962, three men dared to challenge this notion and embarked on a daring escape that continues to captivate the world to this day. Join us as we delve into the lives of these audacious inmates, explore their meticulously planned breakout, and dive into the icy waters of mystery that surround their fate. Did they make it to freedom, or did the relentless San Francisco Bay claim their lives...
Lesser Known Founding Fathers
May 03, 2023 21:06 - 17 minutes - 40.4 MBIn this episode of America's National Parks, join host Jason Epperson as we delve into the lesser-known figures of American history and the National Park Service sites dedicated to their lives and contributions. Explore the stories behind the Thomas Stone National Historical Site, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Roger Williams National Memorial, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Discover how these historic sites pro...
National Park News | Yosemite Braces for Floods, Condors Get Bird Flu, and More
April 27, 2023 03:44 - 9 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode, we share the news about upcoming closures at Yosemite National Park due to flooding concerns from snowmelt. Plus, Death Valley goes cashless, condors are dying from a new bird flu, how to get reservations for the annual synchronous firefly viewing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more. *****
Scaling the Heights: The Evolution and Impact of Rock Climbing in Yosemite
April 25, 2023 04:48 - 11 minutes - 26.6 MBDive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, from its pioneering beginnings to its modern status as a world-class climbing destination. In this episode, we explore the iconic routes, legendary climbers, and groundbreaking techniques that have shaped the sport of climbing in Yosemite. We'll also examine the ongoing challenge of balancing recreation and conservation, as climbers and park officials work together to protect this cherished natural treasure for future gen...
The Mysterious Disappearance of Everett Ruess: Artist, Adventurer, and Enigma
April 17, 2023 05:32 - 18 minutes - 42.8 MBJoin us as we explore the enigmatic life and mysterious disappearance of Everett Ruess, a young artist, poet, and adventurer who vanished without a trace in the remote wilderness of southeastern Utah in 1934. We'll delve into Ruess' life, his love for the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, and the enduring fascination with his unsolved disappearance. We'll also discuss the modern-day search for answers, the tantalizing DNA evidence, and how you can follow in Ruess' footsteps by vis...
Nature’s Open Door: Unlocking Accessible Adventures in National Parks
April 04, 2023 03:42 - 16 minutes - 37.2 MBDiscover the beauty of accessibility at America's National Parks in this episode. From scenic drives and picturesque vistas to innovative adaptive activities, we dive into the wonders of national parks for people with mobility disabilities, families with young children, and anyone seeking less strenuous outdoor experiences. Join us as we explore how the National Park Service is committed to providing equal opportunity and unforgettable adventures for all. Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis ...
America’s Outdoor Recreation Act
March 30, 2023 08:50 - 13 minutes - 31.2 MBA new bill in the U.S. Senate is poised to make major changes to federal lands recreation. In this episode, we have all the details. Find the press release, along with the full text of the bill here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/3/manchin-barrasso-introduce-bipartisan-america-s-outdoor-recreation-act Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com and by Campendium | www.campendium.com
The Mysterious Lives of Northern Elephant Seals
March 19, 2023 02:26 - 23 minutes - 54.4 MBThis episode of America's National Parks Podcast delves into the fascinating world of the Northern Elephant Seal, including its near-extinction in the 1800s due to overhunting and the subsequent discovery of remnant populations in Mexico. Protective legislation was eventually put in place, allowing the species to rebound and return to the California coastline to breed. Written by Dr. Charlotte Hacker Edited by Peter Xiong Hosted By Jason Epperson Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com and ...
Agate Fossil Beds
March 01, 2023 05:01 - 15 minutes - 36.4 MBIn the grassy High Plains of Northwest Nebraska, the landscape is punctuated by flat top buttes, and a few isolated landforms reminiscent of the badlands. A layer of sandstone builds the foundation of the area, sitting over a remarkable bonebed. The grasslands provided good grazing, and James Cook acquired his ranch here, where the wetlands meet the prairie. Unbeknownst to him when he purchased the land, as his cattle grazed on the nodding heads of grain, beneath their feet lay a remarkable...
The History of North American Elk in our National Parks
February 20, 2023 07:25 - 19 minutes - 44.3 MBOn today’s episode of America’s National Parks, the comeback story of North American elk. Written By Dr. Charlotte Hacker Audio Editor and Theme Music: Peter Xiong Host: Jason Epperson Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com
National Park News: 2023 Parks Budget, Daring Helicopter Rescue
February 07, 2023 06:24 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBIn this month's news roundup, the National Park Service has set its budget priorities for the year, including repairs from last year's extreme weather events and prevention measures to help keep them from happening again. Plus, a daring helicopter rescue at Zion, and more. Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com
Assateague - Beyond the Ponies
January 18, 2023 03:44 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBIn the stillness of winter, the waves still roll in and out, in and out, slicking the sandy shore of Assateague Island, a narrow thirty seven mile long barrier island which spans both Maryland and Virginia between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sinepuxent Bay. The wind can be sharp this time of year, rustling the sand into small ever changing dunes, and the temperature is nippy. In the cold of the Mid-Atlantic winter, no swimmers sluice through the water, no sunbathers lie on blankets or towels ...
White Nose Syndrome
January 10, 2023 18:31 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBBats have survived shifting continents, mass extinction events, rapid anthropogenic expansion, and supervolcanic explosions. But can an important North American subset of bats survive the latest threat to their existence? By Dr. Charlotte Hacker Script Editor: Kelsey Skonberg Audio Editor and Theme Music: Peter Xiong Host: Jason Epperson Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com
2023 National Park Entry Reservations, New Funding for Parks, and More
January 01, 2023 21:12 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this month's national park news, we share some changes to timed-entry reservation programs at Glacier, Yosemite, Arches, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Plus, there's some new funding for parks, and what destinations might become national parks in 2023.
Combating Invasive Species in National Parks
December 19, 2022 07:29 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBSince 1916, the National Park Service has worked to preserve our country’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. U.S. National Parks inspire more than 318 million visitors per year, and these unimpaired landscapes provide safe refuge to more than 600 at-risk species. Unfortunately, they also provide safe refuge to some highly unwelcome wildlife. By Dr. Charlotte Hacker Script Editor: Kelsey Skonberg Audio Editor and Theme Music: Peter Xiong Host: Jason Epperson...