The Hawaiian word kīpuka is often used to refer to an “island” of forest surrounded by newer lava flows. An example of a kīpuka here in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is Kīpukapuaulu where an island of native plants and animals has survived not only the...
Oh, how the tables have turned, a lot has changed for me within the last week. In my previous blog post, I spoke about how it's been an interesting experience working from home. But, that quickly changed as my program manager, program coordinator, and supervisor...
The clouds begin to break as the wind moves them up the slopes of the mountain. Peeking from behind the clouds is one of the world's largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa. At the foot of that mountain is its younger volcanic sibling, Kīlauea. Its large volcanic...
Working at Glen Canyon National Park I’ve had the opportunity to meet dedicated scientists from all parts of the country. During our long days out in the field, I enjoy listening to their past adventures studying wildlife from the seas of Alaska to the tropical...
If you've checked out some of the latest content on the Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, then you've likely seen some of my work this summer! My biggest project for my summer has been The RidleyTV Show. During my first week...
One of my goals for my summer as an NPS intern was to increase my plant knowledge. I realize that common plants in South Dakota will likely not show up too frequently back home in the Southeast, but I figure practicing ID’ing plants and noticing...
In the southwestern corner of South Dakota lies Wind Cave National Park, the first cave to be selected as a national park anywhere in the world. At 150 miles in length, Wind Cave is one of the longest and most intricate caves in the world....
Though all national parks have complicated histories, Mount Rushmore National Monument is much more controversial and political than other sites. The monument was completed in 1941 by Gutzon Borglum. A member of the Ku Klux Klan, Borglum’s prior projects included the Stone Mountain relief sculpture...
This season I’ll be in charge of radon monitoring in the caves. Monitoring occurs year-round on a weekly basis, mainly on tour routes. The purpose of radon monitoring is less for the protection of visitors and more for tour guides and cavers who log thousands...
This summer, my focus will lie on creating a geology training manual for the Interpretation and Education division of Wind Cave National park. This geologic resource manual will help future park interpreters and staff effectively communicate the geologic history of the park to visitors. Due...