Swing-and-a-miss: MLB rescinds idea to host baseball game in national park after backlash Officials in Wyoming had called notion to host game in Grand Teton national park ‘deeply unwelcome’ The Guardian - US · Oct 1
American artist traded a painting and $10 for 153 acres in 1882; farm later became a landscape devoted to art In 1882, Julian Alden Weir purchased a farm in Connecticut that transformed into his home and creative workspace. Initially focused on portraits and still life, he later immersed himself in the surrounding landscape. His shift towards Impressionism inspired numerous visiting artists. Today, the site is known as Weir Farm National… The Times of India · Oct 1
Thomas Stone paid £400 for a 442-acre Maryland property in 1770; after 166 years in his family... Originally founded by John Barefoot and expanded by Daniel Jenifer, Haberdeventure estate is steeped in history. Thomas Stone bought the estate in 1770, preserving it within his family for 166 years. A significant fire in 1977 led to protective actions and, in 1978, it became the Thomas Stone National Historic… The Times of India · Oct 1
Malibu Wine Safari Fire Impact: Staff shelter exotic animals in place; most survive Woolsey Fire In the face of the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, a dedicated team of thirty-two staff members stayed behind at Malibu Wine Safari to ensure the safety of the animals. Despite the rapid spread of the wildfire, they successfully sheltered most of the 140 inhabitants, including the beloved Stanley the giraffe.… The Times of India · Sep 30
Hyde Park Tree Plantings: Roosevelt turns estate into learning laboratory; experiments feed Civilian Conservation Corps Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated a substantial part of his life to tree farming in Hyde Park. He planted almost 500,000 trees while managing the estate's woodlands, orchards, and fields. Collaborating with professionals, he created experimental plots and engaged in sustainable forestry practices. The efforts contributed to national forestry policies and… The Times of India · Sep 29
A Texas oil geologist first saw McKittrick Canyon in 1921, later bought the land for a private retreat In 1921, petroleum geologist Wallace Pratt was captivated by the stunning landscape of McKittrick Canyon. He subsequently partnered to acquire land which led to the establishment of family homes. Commencing in 1959, Pratt generously began donating his land for conservation, culminating in the 1972 creation of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.… The Times of India · Sep 28
Jane Fonda helped protect a New Mexico ranch, preserving 2,229 acres and nearly 4 miles of river Forked Lightning Ranch in New Mexico has been significant for wildlife habitat conservation. Buddy Fogelson originally purchased the ranch and later married actress Greer Garson. Jane Fonda acquired the remaining property in 2000, focusing on preserving natural communities. The New Mexico Land Conservancy implemented conservation easements from 2010 to 2018,… The Times of India · Sep 28
Visitors leave lint in a US cave, forcing volunteers to clean it up More than 30,000 people enter Lehman Caves at Great Basin National Park in Nevada each year, and every visitor unintentionally leaves behind a small amount of material. Fibres from clothing, hair, skin cells, dirt from shoes and objects that fall from pockets can accumulate inside the cave. The National Park… The Times of India · Sep 27
Yellowstone Lake Trout Suppression: Gillnetting cuts invaders up to 90%; disease still threatens recovery Yellowstone Lake’s native cutthroat trout have faced decades of pressure from invasive lake trout, prompting one of the park’s largest fish-removal efforts. Since the 1990s, crews have used gillnets to suppress the non-native fish, removing millions while monitoring signs of cutthroat recovery. A 2024 food-web study suggests that recovery could… The Times of India · Sep 25
A Texas oil geologist first saw McKittrick Canyon in 1921, later bought the land for a private retreat Wallace Pratt's journey began in 1921 when he stumbled upon the breathtaking McKittrick Canyon, igniting a passionate fascination with its natural features. He bought land in the area and raised two residences, one of which was Ship on the Desert. Following the passing of his first spouse, Pratt continued his… The Times of India · Sep 25
A review found that Trump’s arch will harm DC. His appointee just ended the process Advisory board cuts off required review process after advocates and preservationists raise major questions about Trump’s ‘military complex’ The Independent UK · Sep 24
Lawyer Trades Career For Yosemite: ex-attorney takes $16.14 ranger job; system leaves seasonal staff insecure A lawyer from Philadelphia made a brave leap from legal practice to become a seasonal ranger at Yosemite National Park. He willingly accepted minimal pay and simple living conditions to chase his passion. His responsibilities included overseeing visitor interactions and park resources during busy times. While seasonal staff members are… The Times of India · Sep 23
2011 Speed Record Hike: Jennifer Pharr Davis walks to all-gender AT mark; reshapes ultra-endurance In 2011, North Carolina hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis completed the Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes, setting a new overall speed record. Starting at Mount Katahdin in Maine and finishing at Springer Mountain in Georgia, she covered about 2,180 miles through 14 states, relying on sustained… The Times of India · Sep 22
California restored a former dairy farm to wetlands, with 16,000 waterbirds counted in one day A former dairy pasture in California underwent a major transformation after levees were removed to restore tidal wetlands at the Giacomini Wetlands. The restoration allowed tidal waters to return, triggering rapid changes in vegetation and wildlife. Over the following years, salt and brackish marsh expanded, while native-dominated plant communities increased… The Times of India · Sep 21
The Times of India · Sep 19 1897 park could get $49 mn golf course makeover 129 years after Congress set it aside for public use Congress created Washington’s East Potomac Park for public recreation in 1897, and its golf course opened in 1919. Now, the Trump administration is moving ahead with plans to renovate the historic public course into a major golf venue. A $389,355 contract has been awarded for environmental and preservation work, while…
The Economic Times · Sep 19 In 1914, Josie Bassett Morris started a new life on a remote Utah homestead; she stayed for 50 years, and her cabin eventually became part of a national monument The Cub Creek area offers hiking trails and ancient rock art. Josie Bassett Morris lived independently on her homestead for fifty years. She was a self-reliant rancher who also brewed whiskey and helped neighbors. Her cabin and land are now part of Dinosaur National Monument. The area preserves her history…
The Economic Times · Sep 19 Meet Tom Hodgdon, a California rancher who built a two-story cabin in 1879; 81 years later, the National Park Service moved it to Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center The Hodgdon Homestead Cabin, constructed in 1879, found its new home in Yosemite National Park after being meticulously disassembled. This historic cabin serves as a museum and symbolizes an intricate tale of American pioneers. Moreover, it shines a light on the significant yet often overlooked efforts of Chinese immigrant laborers,…
The Economic Times · Sep 18 In 1968, Richard Proenneke built a 12-by-16-foot cabin beside an Alaskan lake by hand; 39 years later without electricity, his wilderness home earned a place on America’s historic register For thirty years, Richard Proenneke thrived in solitude, constructing his Alaskan cabin entirely by hand with natural resources. Rejecting the comforts of modernity, he enhanced the cabin's roof over time, layering it with moss, dirt, and grass. Additionally, he crafted a raised storage cache and a woodshed-outhouse to meet his…
The Economic Times · Sep 18 In 1921, Alaskan seamstress Ada Blackjack joined an Arctic expedition for $50 a month; nearly two years later, she was rescued as its only surviving person Ada Blackjack joined an Arctic expedition for $50 monthly pay. She became the sole human survivor after others perished or vanished. Blackjack taught herself survival skills and cared for a sick companion. She endured nearly two years alone on the island with a cat. A rescue ship finally found Blackjack…
The Economic Times · Sep 18 Franklin D. Roosevelt’s father bought this 110-acre New York property for $40,000 in 1867; the estate kept expanding until it covered nearly 1,600 acres when the president died in 1945 Franklin D. Roosevelt estate: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s family estate in Hyde Park, New York, began with his father’s purchase of the property. Known as Springwood, the estate expanded significantly over the years to nearly 1,600 acres. Roosevelt’s childhood experiences there influenced his life and presidency. The estate later served as…
The Times of India · Sep 18 Introduced Aoudad Threats: Game sheep form hardy US herds; ecologists fear bighorn competition Aoudad sheep, once brought to the American Southwest for hunting, are now thriving in its arid landscapes. These resilient creatures are in direct competition with local desert bighorn sheep for essential water and food resources. Research shows significant dietary overlap, particularly in dry seasons, which raises concerns about competition. Wildlife…
The Times of India · Sep 18 Floating Cranberry Bog Shrinks: Accidental Ohio island endures; rare habitat now steadily shrinking Construction of the Licking Summit Reservoir created Buckeye Lake and a unique floating island. This floating bog, a remnant of Buffalo Lick, has drifted on the lake since 1830. The unique floating bog earned National Natural Landmark status in October 1968. Sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants define this isolated ecosystem…
The Times of India · Sep 18 San Miguel's foxes fell to 15, then rebounded to 322 through conservation In the late 1990s, San Miguel Island off the coast of Southern California was home to just 15 island foxes, down from an estimated 450. Three decades later, the population has recovered to roughly 322 animals. The turnaround followed an intensive conservation programme that tackled several causes of the decline…
The Economic Times · Sep 17 A New York City marsh was disappearing for decades; scientists added 20 inches of sand and watched what happened next A salt marsh restoration experiment began at Big Egg Marsh in 2002. Scientists raised the marsh with sand and planted thousands of cordgrass seedlings. Early monitoring showed significant vegetation growth and marsh health two years later. Researchers returned in 2021 to assess the long-term success of the restoration. This project…
The Guardian - US · Sep 17 Trump arch could have ‘adverse effects’ on nearby monuments but will proceed, report says National Park Service lays out concerns that planned 250ft arch could interfere with historic sites in US capital