Tips to save national parks

National parks are environmental treasures that should be kept and maintained well. There are many things you can do to contribute to the health of national parks such as actively making lifestyle choices that promote sustainability and supporting businesses and non-profits that protect our planet. Here are other simple ways on how you can help save our national parks.

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Recycle: The 3R rule (reduce, reuse, and recycle) is the main practice to lessen trash and save the environment. Reuse plastic containers as much as you can and support plastic-free establishments. It will also help if you can segregate and minimize your trash output.

Avoid taking long showers: You might not be aware that your bathroom accounts for 70 percent of water use in the household. Cutting your shower time by a minute or two will have a huge impact, and can make you save up to 150 gallons per month. With this in mind, turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth or while you shave will save up to 300 gallons a month.

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Support a nonprofit: Many nonprofit organizations are fighting for the preservation of national parks and the environment. By volunteering to work for them, you are strengthening their manpower, thus providing more force to help save the planet. You can also choose to show your support through monetary aid, as these non-profits mostly rely on donations to keep on running.

National parks provide many priceless benefits economically, culturally, and socially. That is why Dwyer and Associates fully supports all initiatives that aim to preserve these natural wonders. For more articles like this, visit this page.

Help conserve national parks by following these golden rules

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It’s no longer a secret that national parks and the wildlife need more concentrated conservation efforts nowadays. Anyone who has been to a national park knows that there are rules and regulations to follow. Make sure to take these rules to heart and do your part in conservation:

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Respect mother nature. While walking outdoors and witnessing the beauty of wildlife stirs the desire to be near animals, wildlife must remain wild and untouched. Travelers must never remove natural resources like antlers, wildflowers, animals, rocks, and shells from where they are found.

Leave no trace. Whatever has been brought into the park, must be taken out of it. If visitors plan on bringing snacks to binge on while experiencing the outdoors, they are to leave no trace of their food and trash in the park. Some animals are found eating leftovers of human food, giving them health issues. National parks must be kept sacred and garbage-free.

Take all safety measures. Many travelers take this into account, especially those who watched “127 Hours”. Whether a person is to explore the wild on their own or with a team, they must always tell people (ideally those at the accommodation or park office) where they are headed. Lastly, stay on designated trails. Some parks allow camping beyond the designated areas, while some don’t. It’s best to get acquainted with a park’s own rules and regulations in order to have a safe trip.

Dwyer & Associates preserves and restores national habitats by supporting the expansion of the country’s national park system. For more updates from Dwyer & Associates, visit this page.

Facts and trivia: How well do you know your national parks?

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One doesn’t need to be a park ranger to have a rich body of knowledge of U.S. national parks and their wealth of offerings. Here are some facts ranging from the basic to the awe-inspiring to celebrate the many beautiful national parks spread across the country.

There are 411 park sites that the National Park Service (NPS) manages, and 59 of those are classified as national parks. The others are national memorials, historic sites, battlefields, and seashores, to name a few. Twenty-seven states contain national parks. The NPS was born after Pres. Woodrow Wilson signed an act establishing it on Aug. 25, 1916, although Yellowstone was already established some four decades earlier.

Image source: NPS.gov  

People often think of Yellowstone National Park, which encompasses Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, as the first national park in the nation. It’s actually the second, beat out by Hot Springs Reservation. It became confusing because Hot Springs isn’t what most individuals would think of as a national park.

California has the most national parks with nine, while Alaska has the largest national park space at eight million acres. Pres. Clinton created the most national parks – 19, during his term. Even U.S. presidents live on land managed by the NPS – the White House is in fact part of President’s Park.

In 1951, the NPS arrowhead was designated as the official emblem of the system. The emblem comprises the sequoia tree and bison symbolizing vegetation and wildlife, and water representing scenic and recreational values. The arrowhead itself stands for historical and archeological values.

There are 8,000 rock climbing routes in Joshua Tree National Park in California. Washington’s Olympic National Park has 73 miles of wilderness coastline, while a staggering 907 new plant and animal species have been discovered in the Great Smoky Mountains, which was the most visited national park in 2015.

Dwyer & Associates supports the construction and expansion of national parks because they provide a backbone for the survival of many different species of animals and plants. Read more on this page.

The Park Of The Gods: Haleakalā National Park Is A Volcanic Paradise

Most Hawaiian locals consider the Haleakalā National Park to be the closest example of what paradise would look like. The park was originally intended to be part of the Hawaii National Park, but it made a name for itself in 1980. It was called Haleakalā after the legend of the demigod Maui who imprisoned the sun to lengthen the day. Thus, the park means “house of the sun.”

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The park features the East Maui volcano that has been dormant for a few hundred years now. It spans around 33 acres of pure wild beauty and is divided into two distinct sections, the Summit and the Kipahulu coastal regions.

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The Summit: This is the most scenic part of the park and includes the crater, the summit of the volcano, and the surrounding areas. Many visitors drive up the summit to watch the sunrise. It is here that they feel closest to the legend; with many stories expanding on the glorious experience of seeing such a stunning natural phenomenon. The Haleakalā Crater is also an ideal hiking spot.

Kipahulu coastal region: Though not well-explored, this area still showcases the spectacular natural diversity of Hawaii. It houses the Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve, which is closed to the public to protect the native flora and fauna from the fragile rainforest. Visitors though can go to one of more than two dozen pools along the Palikea Stream.

This park is highly recommended for more adventurous families; those that appreciate the gentle beauty of wildlife.

The Haleakalā National Park is protected by local laws and maintains its beauty through the respect and appreciation of various individuals and groups. One such company is Dwyer and Associates that supports all national parks found in the US. Learn more when you like this Twitter page.

The U.S. National Park Service Offers Free Entrance On Chosen Holidays

Avid travelers looking for beautiful nature sights without having to spend a lot of money will surely enjoy the National Parks Service’s free entry offerings in 2017.

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The U.S. National Parks Service celebrated its centennial year in 2016 with 16 free entry days. And to commemorate its 101st year in 2017, all National Parks will offer 10 free entry days.

Entrance fees to U.S. National Parks range from $3 to $30. But for the free days, anyone can enter without having to reach for their wallets. However, the free pass will only cover the entrance and not the user fees. Those who would like to go on special tours, camping, and other activities will still be asked to pay a fee.

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Entrance is free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (16 January), Presidents’ Day (20 February), National Park Service Birthday (25 August), National Public Lands Day (30 September), and Veterans’ Day Weekend (11-12 November). The National Parks Services will also host two National Park Week weekends on 15-16 and 22-23 April 2017.

For those who have other plans for the free dates, the NPS offers an annual pass that allows unlimited entrance to federal recreation areas for just $80. Military members, PWDs, and senior citizens can get the annual pass at a discounted rate.

Dwyer and Associates encourages locals and foreign tourists to explore beautiful sights in the United States. Visit this blog to learn more about the different US National Parks.

A Trip To The Underworld: The Salt Flats Of Death Valley

One of the most popular national parks is Death Valley, straddling the border between California and Nevada. As its name suggests, this park features several attractions that speak of isolation and desolation. One particularly interesting feature are the salt flats.

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Salt flats are barren plains formed after water formations dissolve, leaving only minerals behind. These massive solid formations are typically found in areas where temperatures are extremely high. Death Valley National Park is considered the hottest, driest, and lowest national park. The park’s salt dunes and flats are recognized as one of the prettiest in the world. Scientists though warn that these salt formations are reflective of how drastic an environment can change due to global weather fluctuations. One must remember how these salt formations are made and employ them to present day situations.

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Despite its morbid name, Death Valley is also a land of extremes. A large percentage of the park features desert-like conditions, yet at its boundaries are peaks capped with snow and vast fields of wildflowers. As such, there is a great diversity of life in Death Valley – although admittedly at the edges of its territory.

Most tours are hikes around the more accessible areas. Tours are dependent on current climate conditions. Currently, guided tours with park rangers are conducted during winter and spring. Weekend programs have night sky events. It is recommended for visitors to call beforehand. It is also highly suggested that tours be taken as a group. This allows for a some degree of security and comfort.

Dwyer and Associates are passionate about the conservation and protection of national parks. Learn more when you follow this blog.

Shedding Leaves And Beautiful Scenes: National Parks To Visit In The Fall

The best way people can witness the changing of seasons and color is to visit National Parks. These beautiful places offer spectacular scenery that are more than Instagram worthy. Here are some of the country’s best places to visit in the fall.

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Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Valley Forge in Pennsylvania is just a short drive for those coming from Philadelphia. This place was where General Washington and his army stayed during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can learn more about the daily lives of those who lived in the 18th century, and they can see beautiful parklands and forests that are rich in color from October to late November.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This park has more than 300 square miles of heavily forested parkland. Shenandoah also boasts of beautiful oak and chestnut trees, poison ivies, and other beautiful flora species. Visit from mid-October to early November to witness its glory in the fall.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

This park houses a famous cave system, which is 400 square miles of underground caverns. Aboveground, its forests have oaks, gum trees, and dogwoods that shed colorful autumn leaves.

Image source: nps.gov

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park in Montana has beautiful fall foliage. Its alpine forests offer an unforgettable, breathtaking view. A lot of wildlife are out in the park during the fall, including grizzlies, eagles, and wolves.

Visit this Dwyer & Associates blog to learn more about National Parks in the United States.

Top reasons to protect Biscayne National Park

One of the most popular places in Miami, Florida, is Biscayne National Park. Its area of close to 70,000 hectares has become a haven to some of the most beautiful aquatic plants and animals in the state. Not too many places in the United States would qualify as national parks, and Biscayne has a number of reasons to deserve this distinction.

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It has four distinct ecosystems to precede its reputation as a necessary natural habitat for sea life. In all of these, fossilized corals serve as an able reef bed to support a diverse community of about 500 species of fish and several hundred crustaceans.

The Biscayne waters are also known to be a special place for some visiting animals to breed before they proceed to their natural abodes outside of the territory. A particular inhabitant in the area is the manatee, whose appetite for seagrass makes Biscayne its favorite dwelling place.

When people come over to enjoy these natural wonders, they are also treated to one of the most breathtaking hikes, thanks to the length of Elliot Key. They might even opt to take a short stroll on the Jetty Trail, whose fringes are the perfect spot for picnics by the water.

With the park’s rustic air, many surprises are sure to keep coming. The area is also frequented by many of the most colorful birds and butterflies known to man.

It is only through a most memorable visit that one might appreciate why Biscayne has become a well-protected national park. Its entirety is a strong reminder that humans are not the only ones who have a right to live here on this planet.

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Dwyer and Associates supports initiatives that promote and preserve America’s great national parks. Learn more by following this Twitter account.

How a Popular Mobile Game Is Putting National Parks In The Spotlight

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Players of hit mobile game Pokémon Go search far and wide to catch Jigglypuff, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Ekans, Oddish, and other kinds of Pokémon. And the game, in fact, gave people who do not usually visit national parks a new reason to do so.

Recently, hundreds of players suddenly flocked to the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington to play the game and catch all sorts of Pokémon. Although information officers from Olympic National Park and Acadia National Park have not yet reported people going to their parks to play since Wi-Fi is unavailable in the area, there are other visitors’ centers which have Wi-Fi and work as Pokégyms.

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Players reported catching Pokémon near Glacier’s Apgar Visitor Center. Others also reported that there are Pokéstops and Pokégym around Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park. Other than catching Pokémon, the game also provides educational insights to the players. In the Great Smoky Mountain’s Mountain Farm Museum, there are three Pokéstops. When players find them, a historical context about the place will appear on the screen. Moreover, the Twitter account Pokémon Archaelogy is filled with Pokémon sightings in historical settings. The rangers working in the Washington Monument also helps players who visit the place to hunt for Pokémon and locate Pokéstops while educating them about the history of the sites and stopping them from entering solemn sites that are off-limits for playing.

However, cases of injuries while playing the game around national parks have increased. Rangers working in national parks should guide visitors and always remind them to be cautious while playing the game.

Dwyer and Associates works hard to preserve and restore U.S. National Parks. Learn more about the institution’s advocacy here.