Everybody's National Parks

Description:

This is episode 6.3, the third episode in our series on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan talks to Andrew and Bryan Lin of Adventure Archives, a family-friendly film series on YouTube with beautiful cinematography, original music and thoughtful narration about four friends going on backpacking adventures exploring nature in the US and around the world.

Discussion includes the following:

What is Adventure Archives (1:51)

Identifying flora skills (6:35)

Backpacking in national parks versus national forests, state or county parks (10:32)

Orienteering (12:48)

Orienteering REI class (13:30)

Adventure Archives film in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (14:14)

Tips for slimming down backpacks (19:56)

Necessities to pack (24:08)

Bushcraft skills (25:04)

Upcoming trips for Adventure Archives (28:07)

National Parks wish list (29:38)

Resources:

Subscribe to Adventure Archives YouTube Channel

Adventure Archives: Great Smoky Mountains Documentary

Follow Adventure Archives on Facebook

REI Learning: Find Classes, Outings & Events by Activity

ENP 3.1 Zion Trip Report

Actions:

Subscribe to our podcast from our website https://www.everybodysnationalparks.com

Support us on Patreon

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Please tag us from the parks you are visiting at #everybodysnationalparks

Description:

This is episode number 6.2, the second episode in our series on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan, Danielle and their two daughters spent spring break of 2018 exploring the North Carolina side of the park along with a brief visit to Asheville, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Announcements:

Discussion includes the following:

· Support our show on Patreon. Click on “Support Our Show” on everybodysnationalparks.com (0:30)

· Describe trip in one word (1:24)

· Asheville, NC and Blue Ridge Parkway (4:12)

· Smokemont Riding Stables (12:34)

· Goldmine Loop Trail (18:22)

· Deep Creek Water Falls Loop (25:25)

· Oconaluftee River Trail and Oconaluftee Museum Farm (33:23)

· Mingus Mill (35:14)

· Newfoundgap Road – Rt 441 (36:47)

· Final thoughts on Gatlinburg, TN and Asheville, NC (39:14)

Resources:

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Asheville, NC

Kids in Parks

River Arts District

Jonas Gerard Studio

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Smokemont Riding Stable

Top 10 Restaurants in Bryson City, NC

Hiking in the Smokys: Goldmine Loop

Deep Creek Trail

Three Waterfalls Loop

Deep Creek Waterfalls

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill

Newfound Gap

Description:

This is episode number 6.1, the first episode in our series on Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryan and Danielle reminisce about their first camping trip there in the spring of 2017. Support our show on Patreon. For show notes or to become a Patron, go to everybodysnationalparks.com.

Discussion includes the following:

· Brief description of our trip (3:40)

· Cades Cove: Campground, Loop, Visitors Center (4:28)

· White Oak Sink Trail to see wildflowers (12:53)

· Laurel Falls Trail (19:16)

· Cosby Campground (24:15)

· First daughter share story of her bike riding accident (25:25)

· Cataloochee (30:15)

· 2nd daughter shares biking incident and hiking the Boogerman trail in Cataloochee (31:43)

· Appalachian Trail at Davenport Gap (35:34)

· Porters Creek Trail Near Greenbrier Cove (36:44)

· Rainbow Falls (38:30)

· Junior Ranger Day at Sugarlands Visitor Center (40:26)

· Gatlinburg (43:35)

Resources:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove - NPS

Cades Cove

Park Limits Access in Whiteoak Sink Area to Protect Declining Bat Populations (3/28/17)

Whiteoak Sink

Laurel Falls

Cosby Campground

Great Smoky Mounains: Off the Beaten Path

Cataloochee

Boogerman Trail

Great Smoky Mountains: Kid Friendly Hikes

Porters Creek Trail

Rainbow Falls

Great Smoky Mountains: Visitor Centers

Description:

Bryan speaks with Park Ranger Alanna Smith about the history of the park and tips for visitors. This interview was recorded in 2017 prior to Hurricane’s Irma and Maria. Although the island of St. John has changed and is still recovering, this information is still useful now and in the future.

Discussion includes the following:

· A brief history of the park - history of the island, cultural influences and significance for establishment and protection of the park. (1:46)

· Park's relationship with the local community (5:20)

· Ranger led programs (8:14)

· Recommendations for visiting at different times of year (12:58)

· The visitor center and museum (15:54)

· Favorite snorkeling sites (17:52)

· Reef-safe sunscreen (23:14)

· Issues from budget constraints (25:11)

· Tips for first time visitors (27:21)

Resources:

Waterlemon Cay/Leinster Bay

Henley Cay

Whistling Cay

The impacts of sunscreens on our coral reefs

Is Your Sunscreen Reef Safe?

Description:

In today’s episode 5.4 Danielle speaks with Jeff Miller, fisheries biologist for the National Park Service about the coral reef and snorkeling around Virgin Island’s National Park following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Even though the island has changed due to the storms, the water is still blue and there are beautiful things to see.

Discussion:

· Jeff’s experience waiting out the hurricanes at home on St. John (2:08)

· Jeff describes what he does as a fisheries biologist for the National Park Service (6:13)

· What happened to the coral as a result of the hurricanes (8:07)

· Change in seascape from storms and time to recover (13:58)

· Where to snorkel and dive (19:26)

· Tips and precautions (21:16)

· Snorkeling with small children (24:04)

· Changes in water visibility (25:24)

· What to see and marine identification guides (26:50)

· What is coral (29:06)

· Different types of coral in the park (30:04)

· What to see (30:38)

· Be aware of your surroundings and nothing will hurt you (34:25)

· How deep is coral found in Virgin Islands National Park? (34:15)

· What gives coral its color? (36:05)

· Hurricane Hole (37:03)

· Preparations for snorkeling to minimize damage to coral and guidance on how to protect the coral when snorkeling (38:57)

· Sunscreens with oxybenzone are harmful to coral (42:30)

· National park protection minimizes harm to coral reef from preventable threats (43:32)

· Jeff’s best memories and love for water around the park (46:00)

Resources:

Virgin Islands National Park Marine Map

Hawaii considers banning certain sunscreens to protect coral reefs

Description:

Bryan talks with archeologist Ken Wild about the rich human history of St. John, where the oldest known site goes back to 800 BC. Ken is the Cultural Resource Manger and Archaeologist for the Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

Discussion includes the following:

Ken’s experience during and post-Hurricanes (1:25)

Ken’s silver lining perspective (4:03)

Archeological Museum at Cinnamon Bay and Artifacts (5:46)

Cultural History in Brief (11:10)

Petroglyphs (21:57)

Danish history on the island (31:10)

Opportunity for bigger and better heritage center (33:46)

Discovery of 17th Century occupation (36:20)

The park preserves archeological sites and opportunities for discoveries (37:55)

Advice for visitors who may find artifacts (39:33)

Ken’s favorite spots (40:52)

Resources:

Archeology in Virgin Islands National Park

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Archeology and Heritage Program

Archeology and Cinnamon Bay

Archeology in the Virgin Islands National Park

UNESCO Series n 24 Rock Art in the Caribbean

Understanding the Petroglyphs by Ken Wild

“Lost" Petroglyphs Rediscovered at Virgin Islands National Park

Research on History and Culture of Virgin Islands National Park

The National Parks: Virgin Islands (In Wanderlust blog)

Virgin Islands National Park Archeology Program

St. John Historical Society Facebook Page

Virtual Preservation of Colonial Structures

Description:

Bryan talks with Acting Superintendent Darrell Echols of Virgin Island National Park about the hurricane damage to the park, recovery efforts, and expected progress in the coming months. The island and people of St. John are resilient. The sentiment of the local community, even if they lost their homes, is positive, “I’m alive. Life is great. I’m very happy.”

Discussion includes the following:

Status of park as of January 2018 (0:55)

Where was park staff during the storms (3:16)

Where is park staff now (4:15)

How Superintendent Echols ended up in Virgin Islands National Park (6:05)

Status of Cinnamon Bay campground (8:50)

Accommodations (11:10)

Partnering with the community (12:40)

Volunteer time to help with recovery (16:25)

Greatest loss for the park (19:15)

Expected progress in 2018 (20:45)

What strikes you about Virgin Islands National Park (23:55)

Where to get the latest status updates (28:10)

Resources:

Kenny Chesney’s Love for Love City benefiting Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief for US and British Virgin Islands https://loveforlovecity.org

St. John Community Foundation http://thestjohnfoundation.org

Tourism Cares http://www.tourismcares.org

Virgin Islands National Park Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/virginislandsNPS/

Virgin Islands National Park https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park https://www.friendsvinp.org

St. John Rescue http://www.stjohnrescue.com

United States Virgin Islands Tourism https://www.visitusvi.com/where-to-stay/stjohn

U.S. Virgin Islands Special Updates http://www.usviupdate.com

Virgin Islands Recovery Journal https://www.nps.gov/viis/learn/viis-hurricane-recovery.htm

Description:

Bryan and Danielle talk about their family trip to Virgin Islands National Park in St. John prior to the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The National Park announced on December 20, 2017 that all beaches, trails and roads are reopened. Check the website for the latest hurricane recovery status. You may support recovery efforts by donating to Friends of Virgin Island National Park or St. John Rescue.

Discussion includes the following:

Danielle’s introduction about the 2017 hurricanes and status of the park (0:11)

Trip Report (2:05)

Daytripper to St. John from St. Thomas (3:20)

Description of the park in St. John (4:18)

Cinnamon Bay Campground and Resort (8:32)

Trunk Bay (16:05)

Honeymoon Beach and Lind Point Trail (21:15)

Favorite Beaches (22:48)

Snorkeling and Sea turtles at Maho Bay (23:10)

Favorite part of the trip for Bryan and Danielle’s 2 daughters (24:44)

Waterlemon Cay Leinster Bay Trail (27:42)

Annaberg Plantation Ruins (31:50)

Bird walk at Francis Bay Trail (34:40)

Park short-staffed (36:50)

Other hikes (39:40)

Resources for events (42:20)

Bugs (43:04)

Final thoughts and tips (44:40)

Cattle dip Ruin at Cinnamon Bay (47:57)

Hurricane Recovery Status (49:27)

Resources:

Everybody's National Parks

Virgin Islands National Park https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park https://www.friendsvinp.org

St. John Rescue http://www.stjohnrescue.com

Lind Point Trail from Visitor Center to Salomon Bay or Honeymoon Bay http://www.stjohnusvi.com/beach7.html

Cinnamon Bay Resort https://cinnamonbayresort.com

Waterlemon Cay Leinster Bay Trail http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-waterlemon-cay.html

Annaberg Plantation Ruins https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/prvi/pr42.htm

Francis Bay Trail https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7012952/francis-bay-trail

Trail Bandit hiking map and app http://www.trailbandit.org/index-2.html

United States Virgin Islands Tourism https://www.visitusvi.com/where-to-stay/stjohn

U.S. Virgin Islands Special Updates http://www.usviupdate.com

Virgin Islands Recovery Journal https://www.nps.gov/viis/learn/viis-hurricane-recovery.htm

Description:

Visitors to Yellowstone are witnesses to one of the most dramatic natural laboratories on the planet, which provides answers to the origin of life on earth, to the diversification of life, to solutions to modern day problems faced by society. Bryan talks with scientist Bruce Fouke about his study of Mammoth Hot Springs and how his research is applied to challenges faced by society, now and in the future and how to use your visit to Yellowstone to better understand the Cosmos that surrounds us. He also alleviates our concerns about an impending eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Bruce Fouke is a professor of geology, biology and microbiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of The Art of Yellowstone Science – Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe along with photographer Tom Murphy.

Discussion includes the following:

· Mammoth Hot Springs is a natural laboratory. How can we glimpse the entire universe around us using the window of Mammoth Hot Springs? (1:30)

· What is the impact it has on our everyday life? (5:10)

· What is the most recent understanding of the Tree of Life and how have Yellowstone’s thermal features figured into the development of these understandings? (10:35)

· What should visitors look for while they are in the park to get some insights and understandings regarding the Tree of Life and this natural laboratory to enhance their visit to Yellowstone? (19:53)

· Is Yellowstone due for eruption? (28:14)

Resources:

The Art of Yellowstone Science – Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe http://artofyellowstonescience.igb.illinois.edu

Description:

Bryan talks with historian Mark David Spence about Native Americans in Yellowstone. People have been coming here for thousands of years. It connects you to hundreds of generations of people. That’s what Yellowstone can do. When you talk to native peoples, you realize it is a landscape full of stories, full of features that people wouldn’t recognize otherwise. Keep in mind the worldview you bring coming into the park and then acknowledge there are stories here you have never considered.

Discussion includes the following:

· Brief history of Native Americans in Yellowstone and Government relation ns (3:15)

· Creation of park and treatment of native peoples (8:22)

· Relationship now between the park and native peoples (17:58)

· How should visitors be cognizant of the legacy (20:05)

· Where should visitors see Native American history in Yellowstone (31:40)

Resources:

Native Americans in Yellowstone http://www.yellowstonestereoviews.com/backcountry/indians.html

Go Native America Yellowstone Tours http://www.gonativeamerica.com/1-YellowstoneTours.html

Dispossessing the Wilderness: Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks.

https://www.amazon.com/Dispossessing-Wilderness-Indian-Removal-National/dp/0195142438

HistoryCraft https://www.historycraft.com

Obsidian Cliff https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/historyculture/obsidiancliff.htm