Parkography

Latest Episodes:

The Kennedys and the Promise of a Better Future for Those Living With Disabilities Jul 23, 2023

Show notes

At the close of the 2019 visitor season, the JFK National Historic Site closed its doors, the collections were safely secured, and the site prepared for an extensive facelift. The plan involved the installation of an accessible visitor center, along with other much-needed maintenance. Originally set to begin in early 2020, unforeseen hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the work to 2022. Now, in 2023, the work is finally reaching completion.
Since its opening in 1969, the site has undergone very few major renovations. There was a significant structural project in 1986, involving repair of the basement floors, improving an exterior staircase, and the addition of a small visitor center and retail shop in the basement of JFK's birthplace. However, as years passed, this 1986 visitor center grew outdated and remained inaccessible to many visitors with disabilities. A change was due.

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide
and Campendium www.campendium.com

Yosemite Traffic Nightmare, Slew of Deaths in National Parks Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

In this month's national park news round-up, we're covering the difficult situation at Yosemite, where the timed-entry reservation system is gone for the first year since 2019, causing huge traffic problems. Plus hot weather and roaring waters are taking the lives of several visitors to parks, rules on e-bikes, and more.

Comment on e-bikes here:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=117364

Comment on the Yosemite Traffic Management Plan here:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/getinvolved/visitoraccessmanagement.htm

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Women Trailblazers of the National Park Service: Stories of Courage and Conservation Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Embark on an exploration of the remarkable women who blazed trails within the National Park Service. Join us as we delve into the lives of Betty Reid Soskin, Dr. Beatrice Willard, Florence Bascom, and more. From Betty's groundbreaking role as the oldest park ranger to Dr. Willard's botanical discoveries and Florence's pioneering work in geology, discover the resilience, passion, and enduring contributions of these extraordinary women as they shaped conservation and preserved history, leaving an indelible mark on our national parks.

Written by Dr. Charlotte Hacker

Hosted by Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide
and Campendium www.campendium.com

Two for the Price of One Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Arizona conjures up images of desert washes, enormous saguaro cacti with arms stretching to the sky, and endless sunshine regardless of the season. But if you travel north to Flagstaff, the environment changes dramatically. Situated at nearly 7000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is surrounded by Coconino National Forest. The many varieties of evergreen trees in the forest color the area green, even in the winter: spruce, fir, pine, cypress, and juniper – multiple types of each. Snow falls in abundance here, as evidenced by the blizzard of 2023.

From a national park perspective, this area is dominated by the Grand Canyon in many people’s minds. But a plethora of other National Park Service sites fill this part of the state.

Nestled on the outskirts of Flagstaff is a pair of national monuments accessed for a single entrance fee. Located seventeen miles apart, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument preserve two vastly different worlds: cinder fields versus limestone and sandstone pueblos.

Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis

Hosted by Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide
and Campendium www.campendium.com

National Park News: Pot Farms Keep Cropping Up In Death Valley National Park May 31, 2023

Show notes

In this month's national park news roundup, we're covering all the delayed openings and closures caused by the unprecedented winter snowpack in the West. But it's not all bad news — lakes Mead and Powell are rising, and the Colorado basin states have finally come to an agreement over how to manage their water use. We also share some concerning animal-human interactions in national parks and take a look at an illegal pot farm discovered in Death Valley, an occurrence that happens more often than you might imagine.

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Yellowstone After the Floods May 21, 2023

Show notes

In June 2022, the rivers of Yellowstone's Northern Range unleashed a devastating flood, shattering century-long records and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This natural disaster not only disrupted park operations but also raised important questions about its cause, the likelihood of future floods, and the need for early detection. In this episode of America's National Parks Podcast, we dive into the aftermath of the flood and explore the efforts to understand, predict, and mitigate such events in Yellowstone National Park.

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide
and Campendium www.campendium.com

Escape from Alcatraz May 12, 2023

Show notes

This week, we're setting sail for Alcatraz, the infamous island prison once deemed inescapable. But in 1962, three men dared to challenge this notion and embarked on a daring escape that continues to captivate the world to this day.

Join us as we delve into the lives of these audacious inmates, explore their meticulously planned breakout, and dive into the icy waters of mystery that surround their fate.

Did they make it to freedom, or did the relentless San Francisco Bay claim their lives?

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide
and Campendium www.campendium.com

Lesser Known Founding Fathers May 03, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of America's National Parks, join host Jason Epperson as we delve into the lesser-known figures of American history and the National Park Service sites dedicated to their lives and contributions. Explore the stories behind the Thomas Stone National Historical Site, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Roger Williams National Memorial, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Discover how these historic sites provide unique insights into the lives of these individuals and the impact they had on the nation. From founding fathers and revolutionary heroes to pirates turned patriots, uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped America and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.

Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis

Hosted By Jason Epperson

National Park News | Yosemite Braces for Floods, Condors Get Bird Flu, and More Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we share the news about upcoming closures at Yosemite National Park due to flooding concerns from snowmelt. Plus, Death Valley goes cashless, condors are dying from a new bird flu, how to get reservations for the annual synchronous firefly viewing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more. *****

Scaling the Heights: The Evolution and Impact of Rock Climbing in Yosemite Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

Dive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, from its pioneering beginnings to its modern status as a world-class climbing destination. In this episode, we explore the iconic routes, legendary climbers, and groundbreaking techniques that have shaped the sport of climbing in Yosemite. We'll also examine the ongoing challenge of balancing recreation and conservation, as climbers and park officials work together to protect this cherished natural treasure for future generations.

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Theme Music By Peter Xiong