FORGOTTEN HISTORY: 9 | History Defined

Oregon town is so broke that it shut down all of its parks to save a buck

The city of Independence said it will enforce the closures and is not liable for anyone who enters the parks

The Independent UK · Aug 26

In 1908, a Boston woman donated 140 acres of Maine Beehive and Bowl to protect the natural places. Her gift helped pave the way for Acadia National Park

In 1908, Eliza Homans made a remarkable contribution by donating 140 acres of land on Mount Desert Island, which included breathtaking features like the Beehive and Bowl. This significant act was the inaugural donation for the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservation, inspiring other landowners to join in protecting nature.…

The Economic Times · Aug 26

The US fall foliage forecast is out. Here’s where to see the most vibrant colors this year

Climate change-driven drought and heat is turning leaves brown earlier than usual in some areas

The Independent UK · Aug 26

Tourist dies after car gets stuck in mud at Death Valley National Park

His travel companion called for help after reaching National Park Service rangers but it was too late

The Independent UK · Aug 25

In 1959, Vermont bought Snake Mountain land but the seller kept timber rights; 67 years later the state plans to secure 949 acres of those rights and add 256 acres

A conservation story that began nearly seven decades ago is entering a new chapter in Vermont. What was once a complicated split between land ownership and timber rights at Snake Mountain is now set to be reunited, potentially giving wildlife, forests and outdoor enthusiasts greater protection for generations to come.…

The Times of India · Aug 25

Canada Beyond Niagara: British Columbia, the Rockies, and What Indian Travellers Actually Need to Know

Why the West Gets SkippedThe Toronto-Niagara circuit exists because it's easy to explain to a travel agent and easy to sell as a package. Flights from Mumbai or Delhi land in Toronto. The family WhatsApp group has already been to Niagara. The path of least resistance runs east to west…

Times Life · Aug 25

French tourist dies in California’s Death Valley after being stranded in heat

Man, 68, was left searching for help in 116F weather after his car became stuck in mud along remote park road

The Guardian - US · Aug 24

Stores are selling Halloween stuff in August. Time has lost all meaning

Capitalism and the climate crisis are conspiring to destroy the concept of seasons. I’ll take solace in my pumpkin spice

The Guardian - US · Aug 23

In the early 1960s, developers sold 5,850 lots for a private resort on Assateague Island; one five-day storm wiped out nearly every house and helped turn it into a national seashore

Assateague Island was once planned as a major resort community with thousands of homes, roads and commercial areas. Two powerful storms changed that future. A 1933 hurricane split the island, while the 1962 Ash Wednesday storm destroyed roads and structures. The island was later protected as a National Seashore in…

The Times of India · Aug 22

In 1927, John D Rockefeller Jr secretly used a shell company to buy over 35,000 Wyoming acres for $1.4 million; NPS says acquiring the same amount of Jackson Hole land today would cost over $1 billion

In 1927, John D. Rockefeller Jr. quietly began buying large areas of land in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole through the Snake River Land Company. The company concealed Rockefeller’s involvement and eventually acquired more than 35,000 acres for $1.4 million. The land was later donated to the US government and became part…

The Times of India · Aug 22