Advocacy of Stunning Lands Pays Off: New Zealand Approves Largest National Park Expansion in History

Conservationists are rejoicing over New Zealand's historic new expansion of a national park, which is expected to protect dozens of endangered species.

By Mary Hendershot

23 March 41 Views

These Specially-Trained Dogs Are Protecting Both Humans and Bears Thanks to Their Natural Fearlessness

These specially-trained canines are being hired to protect both humans and bears thanks to their special genetic skillset.

By Tiffani Spengler

04 March 31 Views

Senate Passes Biggest Public Lands Package of the Decade With Sweeping Bipartisan Approval

The legislation, which was approved in a 92-8 vote, will designate over 1.3 million acres as nationally-protected public lands.

By Tiffani Spengler

13 February 52 Views

Park Rangers Delighted to Find Elephant Seals Reclaimed Beach During Government Shutdown

As a result of the US government shutdown, the absence of human activity at Point Reyes has actually helped the formerly endangered elephant seal.

By Donald Crabtree

06 February 35 Views

Here's How Families and Groups Are Pitching in to Maintain National Parks During Government Shutdown

These volunteer-led initiatives show that Americans are more than willing to take care of their parks and communities when trouble arises.

By Tiffani Spengler

07 January 32 Views

Wildlife Thrives in Restored Chicago Wetlands

A chance to restore the wetlands came in 1994 when the Chicago Parks District established its Ecological Restoration Program. Now there are loons, coots, mergansers, and herons too.

By Omar J.

29 October 33 Views

Join Thousands Converging on National Parks for Free Admission Saturday

On Saturday, September 24th, more than 170,000 Americans will volunteer at parks and beaches across the country building trails, removing invasive plants and picking up trash in honor of National Public Lands Day. Admission fees into national parks will by waived for the general public that day, a gift from the 100 or so parks that normally charge entrance fees.

By Jeanne Goddard

19 September 41 Views

Recycling Heroes Include Parks, Schools, Stadiums and Corporations

Across the nation, an antigarbage strategy known as "zero waste" is moving from the fringes to the mainstream, taking hold in school cafeterias, national parks, restaurants, stadiums and corporations. At Yellowstone National Park, the clear soda cups and white utensils are not your typical cafe-counter garbage. Made of plant-based plastics, they dissolve magically when heated for more than a few minutes.

By Jeanne Goddard

20 October 37 Views

Primate Park Protects Exploding Population of Pesky Monkeys (Video)

Primate Park Protects Exploding Population of Pesky Monkeys (Video)

By Greg Pharo

19 March 37 Views

Burt's Bees Founder Buys Enough Land in Maine to Open National Park, Finds Common Ground With Hunters

The state's sportsmen were outraged when the conservation-minded founder of Burt's Bees bought up more than 120,000 acres of Maine's fabled North Woods, but fter initiating a face-to-face dialogue with some of her biggest critics, Ms. Quimby wants to set aside 30,000 acres to be managed like a state park, with hunting and snowmobiling allowed.

By Jeanne Goddard

30 March 37 Views

After Ten Years, Goose Renews Longtime Bond With Woman

A San Diego woman first formed a bond with a Chinese goose at Miramar Lake 20 years ago. After a 10-year break, she went back to the lake to see if he was still there. As soon as she pulled up in the car she said she recognized 'Blanco'. She got out of the car and said, Blanco? His telescoping neck shot up in the air and it was like they'd never been apart.

By Jeanne Goddard

29 March 37 Views

Sweet Deal for Girls After Lemonade Stand was Closed for Lack of Permit

Three girls whose lemonade stand was shut down by the police in Midway, Georgia, for not having a business license and food permit, were offered a prime location to reopen in the tourist-rich state park of Jekyll Island. Officials even built the girls a new lemonade stand.

By Jeanne Goddard

02 August 38 Views

Central Park is Still Neat, Even on a Gray Day (Video)

It doesn't have to be a sunny day to enjoy NYC's Central Park. It's a neat place even on a grey Winter day... Here's a video submitted by a WS user.

By Greg Moos

15 January 61 Views

New Zealanders Crowdfund $2Mil to Buy Private Beach for Public Enjoyment

A pair of brothers-in-law may have raised more than enough needed to buy a pristine, private beach and open it to the public.

By Jim Stout

15 February 38 Views

UPDATE: New Zealanders Win Bid to Buy Beach By Crowdfunding; It's Now Public

New Zealanders pooled their money to successfully purchase a pristine beach out from under developers and make it part of a National Park.

By Jeanne Goddard

24 February 37 Views