National Parks Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
National Parks In North America
By Leaf Treehorn
The continued well-being of nature is highly dependent on the
worldwide development of new national parks. The world isn’t what
it used to be, there are no new territories left to explore and
civilization is slowly encroaching on the borders of existing
national parks. The encouraging news is that these new parks are
being developed, for reasons ranging from the acknowledgement
of historic figures to the protection of ecosystems.
The newest of these national parks are found on extreme northern
Labrador. Created in January 2005, the Torngat Mountains National
Park Reserve is the baby of the Canadian National Parks system.
The Spectacular Torngat Mountains
This park is a gift of Inuit land consisting of two distinct
landscapes: the gentle Georgian Plateau formed by receding glaciers,
and the spectacular Torngat Mountains. The mountains are amongst
the most rugged in North America.
Along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, a hiker would find an
untamed coastline where cliffs seem to erupt 900 meters out of
the sea, and fjords jutting up to 80 miles inland. Massive icebergs
can sometimes be seen ferrying along the coast.
This 3100 square kilometer park does whatever it takes to make
an explorer seem small while expressing the grandeur of nature
at its most beautiful and dangerous.
The Great Sand Dunes Of Colorado
If you are looking for a place to witness firsthand many ecosystems
living together, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado are an excellent
example of a national park that has a bit of everything. While
the dunes were designated a national monument in 1932, they were
not officially labeled a national park until September, 2004.
This was done so that the surrounding areas could be protected.
The dunes are tall and move at a very rapid rate. In fact, one
dune has recently taken over a forest. Little green tips of trees
can be seen coming out of the dunes.
A Refreshing Swim In Medano Creek
Medano Creek is also a very appealing attraction to tourists,
especially when the weather is hot. A refreshing swim in the stream
is a relaxation not to be missed after a long hike. If you want
to see one of the most beautiful national parks in the country,
visit the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado.
The Canadian national park that has the distinction of being
one of the most remote is the Ukkusiksalik National Park found
in northern Nunavut. It can only be reached by plane making it
also one of the most untouched national parks. Previously inhabited
by Inuits until the 1960’s, this twenty thousand plus square kilometer
swath of land became an official national park in 2003.
A 24 Foot Water Fall That Freezes In Winter
For those ambitious adventurers willing to travel to this park,
you’ll be rewarded with such features as reversing falls, 8 meter
high tides, a 24 foot waterfall that freezes in the winter, and
archaeological sites of previous Inuit inhabitants. Also, nature
abounds in this northern habitat with polar bears, seals, caribou,
and over 100 different species of birds.
These are but a select few of the new national parks to explore,
but more are being added every day. Visiting these new national
parks is witnessing history in the making.
About the Author:
Leaf Treehorn has written a number of articles on recreation,
gardening and landscaping including National
Parks Recreation Camping, National
Parks And Wildlife, Whitewater
Canoeing, Kayaks,
Mountain
Biking, Cyclocross,
Yosemite
Rock Climbing, How
To Rock Climb, Rock
Climbing, Rock
Climbing Gym, Rock
Climbing Wall.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Little Known Recreation Facts....
What National Park passes are available?
The new pass system that debuted in 2007
includes not only national parks but also parks managed by other
federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National
Forest Service and others. The Army Corps of Engineers parks do
not accept the Annual Pass. An Annual Pass is currently priced
at $80 and is available to anyone.
The pass covers the entrance fee of the pass holder and up to
three adults (age 16 or over) at parks that charge a per-person
fee. For sites that charge a per-vehicle entrance fee, the pass
covers everyone who is traveling in the same vehicle. There is
no charge for children under age 16. The Annual Pass does not
give a discount on expanded use fees such as campsite fees.
If you are age 62 or over, you qualify for the Senior Pass. This
pass is available for $10 to any US citizen or permanent resident
who meets the age requirement, and is valid for the lifetime of
the pass holder. The Senior Pass is valid for entrance to the
same parks as the Annual Pass plus Army Corps of Engineers parks
and Tennessee Valley Authority parks.
The Senior Pass provides a 50% discount on many expanded use
fees for the pass holder only, although the discount on campsite
fees applies to the entire campsite even if others are present.
Otherwise, the Senior Pass works much the same as the Annual Pass.
The Access Pass is offered free of charge to anyone of any age
who has a documented permanent disability. If a child holds the
Access Pass, a caregiver automatically receives the same benefits.
This pass provides the same benefits and is honored at the same
locations as the Senior Pass.
Please Note: Prices quoted and terms
and conditions for each pass may change without notice. Please
confirm latest prices and terms with the relevant authority.
RECOMMENDED READING
|
