Birdwatching

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located 8 miles west of Redding, at the juncture of the Klamath Mountain range and the northern edge of the Sacramento Valley. It is home to a special collection of animal and plant life. The parks attractive features include Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Bally (6,209 ft.) and numerous waterfalls, providing outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for water recreation, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Ross Lake National Recreation area is marked by jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. United together with Lake Chelan and North Cascades National Park by a contiguous overlay of Stephen Mather Wilderness, the beauty of Ross Lake provides a rich tapestry for visitor experience of all abilities and interests. The trails and vast undeveloped wilderness allow visitors to experience nature with minimal human-caused intrusions.

Middle Delaware National Scenic River

Did you know the Delaware watershed provides water for 10% of the nation's population?! The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to the Middle Delaware River, which passes for over forty miles between low forested mountains with barely a house in sight. The river then cuts through the mountain ridge to form the famed "Water Gap." Exiting the park, the river runs 200 more miles to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington, Delaware. Swim, fish, boat, canoe, kayak, raft and tube. The Middle Delaware is one of the cleanest rivers around!

Gauley River National Recreation Area

Welcome to the wild and wonderful Gauley River Recreational Area, which contains a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through the scenic gorges and valleys of this park. The Gauley River is one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east, as it contains several class V+ rapids.

Alcatraz Island (affiliated area)

Alcatraz Island, referred to as "The Rock," is the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary now off-limits to the public, and the 18-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes that saved the tribes. Along with the rich history of the island, there is also a natural side with gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and magical bay views.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Did you know the Delaware watershed provides water for 10% of the nation's population? The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to the Middle Delaware River, which passes for over forty miles between low forested mountains with barely a house in sight. The river then cuts through the mountain ridge to form the famed "Water Gap." Exiting the park, the river runs 200 more miles to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington, Delaware. Swim, fish, boat, canoe, kayak, raft and tube at the park. The Middle Delaware is one of the cleanest rivers around!

Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation abounds with recreational and learning opportunities, ranging from swimming, boating and fishing to team sports, bicycling and nature study. Travel to days of old when you visit the nation’s oldest operating lighthouse, forts that defended America, and sites that trace aviation’s early days. A wildlife refuge, holly forest, ocean dunes and coastal uplands in one, Gateway is a park that you don’t want to miss!

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

It’s obvious why Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most visited units of the National Park System, with over 13 million visitors a year. The two hundred years of history boast Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications and the growth of urban San Francisco. Explore the many areas of the park, stretching from northern San Mateo County to Southern Marin County and including several areas of San Francisco.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Lake Chelan National Recreation area is marked by jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. United together with Ross Lake and North Cascades National Park by a contiguous overlay of Stephen Mather Wilderness, the beauty of Lake Chelan provides a rich tapestry for visitor experiences of all abilities and interests. The trails and vast undeveloped wilderness allow visitors to experience nature with minimal human-caused intrusions.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area encompasses three reservoirs, which form the heart of the park. Colorado's largest body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir, is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the U.S. Morrow Point Reservoir is the beginning of the Black Canyon, and below, East Portal is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound.

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News from the Parks

Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.

New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.

Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.

Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.

Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.

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