The U.S. Forest Service has announced that it is expanding its very successful Every Kid Outdoors program to include fourth- and fifth-grade students, and offer the program through August 31, 2021.
Originally, the Every Kid Outdoors program was offered to fourth-grade students and their families across the United States to allow them to recreate, explore lands and cultures, and discover connections to nature and the outdoors.
In a show of gratitude to the brave men and women who selflessly served our country in uniform, the United States Forest Service announced today that it will offer U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families fee-free access to the national forests and grasslands that they manage.
“This country is deeply indebted to the dedicated men and women who have served in the military, and to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “We are pleased to offer this free access opportunity as a way to honor them and to encourage them to explore our Nation’s big backyard.”
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Effective November 8, 2020 the National Park Service has moved Cicely Muldoon from acting Superintendent – a position she has held since January, 2020 – to permanent Superintendent of Yosemite National Park.
“Cicely is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding and compassionate leaders across the National Park Service. I’m thrilled to have someone with Cicely’s proven and respected track record leading one of America’s most iconic and complex national parks,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt. “Cicely’s track record of building strong relationships with park partners, local communities and elected officials will be invaluable as the National Park Service and Yosemite implement the Great American Outdoors Act.”
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National Bison Day – the first Saturday in November – is a celebration of the American Bison. The bison – commonly called the America Buffalo – is the National Mammal of the United States. These large smelly animals once roamed North America in massive herds, but were brought to the brink of extinction through a combination of commercial hunting, slaughter, and bovine disease transferred from domestic cattle in the 19th century.
It only took 45 years, but the gray wolf has recovered. After being virtually eliminated from the lower 48 states by the early part of the 20th century, the gray wolf is back – and in HUGE numbers! Through a partnership of states, tribes, conservation organizations and private landowners, the once-endangered predator is now flourishing.
