Author: VIP Voice

A website for the Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, CA
A lighthouse and pine tree in shadow at sunset. The words Did You Know are in blue at the base of the image
Did You Know

Did You Know – National Parks Facts

The nation’s newest National Park, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia, was upgraded from a National River in 2021. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-river-gorge-west-virginia-newest-national-park/index.html That brings the current total of National Parks to 63 and 423 National Park Units and counting. You can see a list at: https://parksexpert.com/all-us-national-parks-list/ The only state without a National Park Unit is Delaware. The Great Smoky Mountains is the most … Continue reading Did You Know – National Parks Facts

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TPERP

This ‘wandering meatloaf’ chiton has a rare mineral in its teeth

(CNN) — A rare iron mineral has been discovered in the teeth of a living organism for the first time — one that bears the pet name “wandering meatloaf.” While it sounds like a tour update for the musician Meat Loaf, this research concerns a large mollusk called a chiton (not a “bat out of hell”). The mollusk, also known as Cryptochiton stelleri, got its nickname because … Continue reading This ‘wandering meatloaf’ chiton has a rare mineral in its teeth

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Ecosystem

What to Save? Climate Change Forces Brutal Choices at National Parks.

Zoë SchlangerNew York Times For more than a century, the core mission of the National Park Service has been preserving the natural heritage of the United States. But now, as the planet warms, transforming ecosystems, the agency is conceding that its traditional goal of absolute conservation is no longer viable in many cases. Late last month the service published an 80-page document that lays out new … Continue reading What to Save? Climate Change Forces Brutal Choices at National Parks.

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Cabrillo

Scientist Decode The Physics Of Wave Surfing Pelicans

Have you ever wondered how pelicans can glide along the top of ocean waves without flapping their wings? UC San Diego researchers have spelled out the math that explains how pelicans can fly for miles along the coast while barely flapping their wings. KPBS environment Reporter Erik Anderson says the information has implications for understanding the warming climate. Read more… Continue reading Scientist Decode The Physics Of Wave Surfing Pelicans

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Cabrillo

THANK YOU HEROES!

We want to say thank you to everyone who helped out last Sunday. Park rangers and staff, SDFD firefighters, lifeguards along with Federal Fire, US Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and other local agencies worked together on this incident. But that wasn’t all. We also had amazing park volunteers and Good Samaritan visitors who also jumped in to assist. Your quick actions helped save … Continue reading THANK YOU HEROES!

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