By Eilene Lyon Your first question must be, “Where on earth is Northern Velebit National Park?” The answer is “Croatia!” This park lies in the north region of the greater Velebit Nature Park. Another national park is located in the southern end. Northern Velebit is Croatia’s newest national park, established in 1981. It isn’t even... Continue Reading →
Don’t Do This…Though Your Descendants Might Wish You Would
By Eilene Lyon One way our ancestors may have left a trace of their passing is by carving their names in stone. You've likely heard how westward pioneers inscribed Independence Rock along the Oregon Trail, for example. Don't do this. First of all, it creates an unsightly mess on our public lands. Secondly, you'd be... Continue Reading →
Will This Park Be Gone in 2050?
By Eilene Lyon This National Park could literally vanish during your lifetime. The Everglades National Park was the first national park set aside to protect a threatened ecosystem. The “River of Grass” has been heavily impacted by removal of water to serve the needs of Florida’s burgeoning population. As a result, changing habitat has led... Continue Reading →
Would These Parks Exist Without the Antiquities Act?
By Eilene Lyon You may have surmised by now that I love the desert. Whether I’m counting cacti or tagging tortoises - or just taking a walk through the wilderness - the sunlight, landforms, and wildlife captivate me. Some of the most stunning American desert landscapes are now protected as National Parks and National Monuments.... Continue Reading →
National Parks 2013 – 2017 – Part 3
By Eilene Lyon It’s been a couple weeks since my last post about National Parks and other public lands. As I mentioned before, I highly encourage you to learn more about the history of these places and the threats they face by clicking on the links below. Let’s start with Glacier National Park (feature photo... Continue Reading →
National Parks 2013 – 2017 – Part 2
By Eilene Lyon These are more of the parks and other public lands I’ve visited over the past five years, minus the political lecture (see Part I). To learn more about issues affecting these places, click on the links. The image above is the White Canyon in Bears Ears National Monument (2017). This 1.3 million... Continue Reading →
National Parks 2013 – 2017 – Part 1
By Eilene Lyon I'd like to share some images from the parks I've visited over the past five years. Some are not National Parks, but have other designations such as National Monument, National Preserve, National Recreation Area, etc. But all are protected as public land for ALL Americans (and people from other countries are welcome... Continue Reading →
A Special Tree Hug
By Eilene Lyon Last year I visited several national parks, as I do every year. This photo shows bristlecone pines in Great Basin National Park. Yes, I was there hugging trees. It’s true. But there were no witnesses (other than the trees), so you’ll have to trust me on that. When I peered out of... Continue Reading →