We have passed into the era of unhistory. The other day, it was announced that a famous 1863 picture of an ex-slave showing the crisscrossed scar tissue from dozens of whippings would be removed from a national park. And, as The Washington Post says, this was part of a general campaign on the part of the administration to quite literally whitewash American history as presented on our public lands.
On June 14, 1846, rebellious settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma. They declared California to be a republic independent of Mexico. This became known as the Bear Flag Revolt, named for the hastily designed flag depicting a grizzly and a five-point star over a red bar and the words California Republic. The flag only flew until July 9, 1846, when it was learned that Mexico and the United States were already at war. It was adopted as the state flag in 1911.
Spain is a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. The country is home to the most biosphere reserves in the world, is a global leader on Blue Flag beaches and is working towards protecting 30 percent of its marine areas by 2030. And, with the second-longest high-speed rail network in the world, low-impact travel between Spanish destinations is easier than ever.
Exploring the great outdoors with pets is about to get easier and more exciting. ORIJEN™, a brand known for nourishing pets with biologically appropriate nutrition, has unveiled the ORIJEN Trails app. Created in partnership with the National Park Foundation, this innovative tool is designed to inspire pet owners to discover dog- and cat-friendly adventures in national parks across the United States.
Dartmoor is characterized by its striking landscapes, including rivers threading through moorlands, ancient boulders adorned with lichens, and historical burial mounds that indicate human presence for thousands of years.
"It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures."
While spending years exploring every corner of Glacier National Park is an option, driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a quick yet scenic experience of its highlights.
"This is an attempt to rewrite history, whitewash history. Eliminate the stories of critical contributors to history," said Dennis Arguelles with the National Parks Conservation Association.
In 48 years of marriage, we traveled extensively but aside from the Grand Canyon, national parks eluded us until prize money transformed our journey into a dream road trip.
"This summer is expected to see record numbers of visitors in national parks despite reduced services and long lines due to significant federal budget cuts, signaling a high demand for nature escapes."
This stunt could cost you dearly, with fines ranging from about $5,600 to a whopping $224,500 for disturbing the environment in national parks.
The Bay Discovery Cruise offers a 90-minute sightseeing adventure showcasing iconic San Francisco landmarks and a rich audio tour experience, enhancing your exploration of the area.
The National Park Service reported a record 331.9 million visits in 2024, showing just how much we are all craving getting a little time outside with Mother Nature.
The tops of our mountains may not be as dramatic as some of the peaks on the west coast of Scotland, but for me, it's the recesses that are really magical.
Due to light pollution, dark skies are sadly becoming increasingly rare to find across the nation. But some destinations are working to preserve their starry nights.