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Otero County, NM < Back White Sands Otero County, NM 2019 Established: Size: 145,762 acres Visitors: 705,127 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

220 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Capitol Reef 220 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1971 Established: Size: 241,904 acres Visitors: 1,227,608 in 2022 Summary Capitol Reef National Park, nestled in south-central Utah, is a hidden gem renowned for its striking geological formations, colorful canyons, and rich human history. Encompassing nearly 100 miles of the Waterpocket Fold—a dramatic wrinkle in the Earth's crust—the park showcases towering cliffs, arches, bridges, and domes, providing a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visitors can explore the park's scenic drives, hike along rugged trails to hidden petroglyphs and historic orchards, and marvel at the star-filled skies above its designated International Dark Sky Park. Capitol Reef's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage offers a captivating journey through time and landscape. Wildlife Capitol Reef National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, adapted to the harsh desert environment of south-central Utah. Visitors may encounter iconic species such as mule deer, desert cottontails, and rock squirrels amidst the park's rugged landscapes. Birdwatchers can spot golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and various songbirds soaring overhead, while reptile enthusiasts may glimpse lizards, snakes, and the elusive desert tortoise. The park's riparian areas provide habitat for beavers, amphibians, and a variety of fish, adding to its ecological richness. Exploring Capitol Reef offers opportunities to observe and appreciate the resilience and adaptability of its wildlife amidst the stunning backdrop of colorful canyons and towering cliffs. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can enjoy road tours, hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding, canyoneering, and more. Though Capitol Reef does not receive as much snow as other Utah parks, outdoor activities can still pose a challenge during the winter due to snow and ice. When to Visit Capitol Reef National Park has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant precipitation year-round. The transitional seasons of spring (particularly April-May) and fall (particularly September-October) have the most pleasant weather for visiting. To avoid the high crowds that are present those times of year, try visiting mid-week as opposed to on the weekend, and make sure to plan your visit in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Capitol Reef National Park gets its name from a series of white sandstone domes reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol building located in the park, and the term "reef," which locally refers to a land barrier that makes travel difficult. Previous Next

Copper Center, AK < Back Wrangell-St. Elias Copper Center, AK 1980 Established: Size: 13,175,799 acres Visitors: 79,450 in 2018 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Wreath Making & Merriment! < Back Holiday Wreath Making Wreath Making & Merriment! Previous Next

230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Arches 230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1971 Established: Size: 76,679 acres Visitors: 1,460,652 in 2022 Summary Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, USA, is renowned for its stunning natural rock formations, particularly its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Established as a national monument in 1929 and later designated as a national park in 1971, Arches spans over 76,000 acres of high desert terrain. The park's landscape is characterized by its red-rock canyons, towering pinnacles, and balanced rocks, all sculpted by millions of years of erosion and weathering. Delicate Arch, perhaps the park's most iconic feature, stands as a symbol of Utah and is depicted on the state's license plates. Wildlife Mule deer Western scrub jay Bighorn sheep Spadefoot toad Arches National Park hosts a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the harsh desert environment of southeastern Utah. Mammals such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes roam the rugged terrain, while birds including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks soar above. Lizards like the collared lizard and various snake species are common sightings, along with desert amphibians such as the canyon tree frog. Invertebrates such as desert beetles and tarantulas add to the park's biodiversity. Visitors can appreciate these fascinating creatures while exploring the park, remembering to observe from a respectful distance and to avoid disturbing the natural balance of this unique desert ecosystem. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors at Arches National Park can partake in hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, or stargazing. Note that reservations are required to enter between April 1 and October 31. When to Visit Arches National Park has a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers. Precipitation is rare year round. To avoid extreme temperatures, the best time to visit is either the spring or fall, though these are also the most crowded times of the year. Due to the park's popularity, it is best to arrive early in the day and to plan your visit in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Though Arches became a national park in 1971, it was first established as a national monument in April 1929, just a couple months after Stephen Mather resigned as Director of the National Parks Service. The area was made into a national monument after Frank A. Wadleigh suggested such to Stephen Mather. Fun Fact The park's Delicate Arch is commonly seen as a symbol for the state of Utah, and is on its license plates and postage stamps. Previous Next

Ania led a group through the basics of starting a cutting garden from seeds during the winter months, then planting in the spring for beautiful summer blooms. < Back Cutting Garden 101: Cosmos & Zineas - March 8, 2023 Ania led a group through the basics of starting a cutting garden from seeds during the winter months, then planting in the spring for beautiful summer blooms. Previous Next

White Pine County, NV < Back Great Basin White Pine County, NV 1986 Established: Size: 77,180 acres Visitors: 144,875 in 2021 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Leah Jones, pastry chef at Grace Farms and owner of Black Market Bread, led us in a colonial breadmaking workshop which involved baking AND tasting! First, Leah gave us a little history on bread and some information which helped us understand the "gluten free" craze a little better. Then we tasted various breads, baked by Leah, and drank wines chosen to pair with each bread. Finally, we made our own bread! < Back Colonial Breadmaking with Leah Jones - March 10, 2022 Leah Jones, pastry chef at Grace Farms and owner of Black Market Bread, led us in a colonial breadmaking workshop which involved baking AND tasting! First, Leah gave us a little history on bread and some information which helped us understand the "gluten free" craze a little better. Then we tasted various breads, baked by Leah, and drank wines chosen to pair with each bread. Finally, we made our own bread! Previous Next

75 mi SE of Rapid City, SD < Back Badlands 75 mi SE of Rapid City, SD 1978 Established: Size: 242,756 acres Visitors: 1,006,809 in 2022 Summary Badlands National Park, situated in southwestern South Dakota, is renowned for its striking landscape of rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive prairies. Established as a national monument in 1939 and later designated as a national park in 1978, Badlands spans over 244,000 acres of unique terrain shaped by millions of years of erosion and geological processes. The park's iconic features include colorful sedimentary layers, towering spires, and fossil-rich badlands, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient history. Badlands is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and various bird species. Visitors can explore the park's scenic drives, hiking trails, and interpretive programs, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the American Midwest. Wildlife Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the unique environment of the South Dakota prairie. The park's iconic species include bison, which roam freely across its grasslands, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the American West's past. Bighorn sheep navigate the rugged terrain, while prairie dogs create bustling communities in the park's grasslands. Visitors may also encounter mule deer, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets, among other mammal species. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting golden eagles, prairie falcons, and a variety of songbirds soaring above the expansive landscape. Additionally, the park's night skies offer opportunities for stargazing and the chance to observe nocturnal creatures such as bats and owls. With its rich biodiversity and varied habitats, Badlands National Park provides visitors with countless opportunities to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the American prairie ecosystem. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Badlands National Park can go hiking, camping, horseback riding, stargazing, and more. Note that certain outdoor activities may depend on the season. When to Visit Badlands National Park has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Given the park's location in the Northern Plains, weather can be erratic and unpredictable year round. Despite this, temperatures are typically mild in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). It is recommended to visit during the middle of the week to avoid crowds. Ties to Stephen Mather Badlands National Monument was first authorized on March 4, 1929, less than two months after Stephen Mather resigned from the National Park Service. Despite this, it was not formally established as a national monument until 1939, and not established as a National Park until 1978. Fun Fact Badlands National Park hosts the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Previous Next

Bettles, AK < Back Gates of the Arctic Bettles, AK 1980 Established: Size: 8,472,506 acres Visitors: 2,872 in 2020 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Con Fuoco performed a holiday set for the third year. Amazing musicians! < Back Con Fuoco String Quartet - December 2, 2022 Con Fuoco performed a holiday set for the third year. Amazing musicians! Previous Next

Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String (Italian for “with fire”) Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians performed an hour long program including Bethoven's String Quartet in C minor, Mozart's String Quartet in C Major and holiday music. < Back Con Fuoco String Quarter - December 5, 2021 Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String (Italian for “with fire”) Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians performed an hour long program including Bethoven's String Quartet in C minor, Mozart's String Quartet in C Major and holiday music. Previous Next