Category Archives: Nature

America’s Best Idea Turns 100

30 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by in National Parks, Nature, Travel

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Joshua Tree National Park in California (Photo from Joshua Tree National Park)

Joshua Tree National Park in California (Photo from Joshua Tree National Park)

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Yellowstone National Park was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, as the nation’s first National Park. (Photo from Yellowstone National Park)

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Yosemite National Park in California, established in 1890 (Photo from Yosemite National Park)

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was my first visit to a National Park. (Photo from Jefferson National Expansion Memorial)

centennial_npf_logo_webThe National Park Service, created by an Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916, is celebrating its 100th birthday this summer.

The National Parks is “America’s Best Idea”, according to film producer Ken Burns. Burns’ six-part film series is finishing a repeat airing on PBS this evening. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is the story of “an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone.”

I first experienced the beauty and majesty of the National Parks during a four-week, cross-country road trip with my dad, mom, brothers and sister. The six of us pulled out of our driveway in Dearborn, Michigan in a 1970 Ford LTD, hauling a pop-up camper. Our first stop was the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. I’ll never forget that trip. Now I live in Washington, DC, with the National Mall and Memorial Parks in my own backyard.

The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service invites everyone to Find Your Park. I hope this post inspires YOU to connect with, enjoy, and support our National Parks!

Arches National Park in Utah (Photo from Arches National Park)

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Badlands National Park in South Dakota (Photo from Badlands National Park)

The United States Capitol is at the east end of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. (Creative Commons Photo courtesy of Tyrol5)

The United States Capitol is at the east end of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. (Creative Commons Photo courtesy of Tyrol5)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. (Photo from Mount Rushmore National Memorial)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota (Photo from Mount Rushmore National Memorial)

 

 

Farewell to Summer 2012

20 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by in Nature, Photography, Summer

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I spent the last weekend of Summer 2012 with good friends in Cherry Grove on Fire Island. I’ve repeated what’s become an end-of-summer tradition for 4 years running now, and again we were blessed with perfect weather and abundant sunshine. Life is beautiful and life is good. The first day of fall — the autumnal equinox — begins in two days on September 22 at 10:49am EDT. Fall is my second favorite season (after summer) and I’m looking forward to a good one spent living each day to the fullest.

Photography by Thomas Jackson: Emergent Behavior

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in Art, Nature, Photography

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Glow sticks #1, Thomas Jackson

I ran across Thomas Jackson‘s work on Pinterest and thought it was pretty awesome. His ongoing “Emergent Behavior” series of photographs are inspired by “self-organizing, ’emergent’ systems in nature such as termite mounds, swarming locusts, schooling fish and flocking birds,” says Jackson. “By constructing the pieces from unexpected materials and placing them in environments where they seem least to belong, I aim to tweak the margins of our visual vocabulary, and to invite fresh interpretations of everyday things.” Jackson’s technique for capturing these images is also quite fascinating. (MORE)

Plates #1, Thomas Jackson

Cups, Thomas Jackson

Hidden Harbor

16 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by in Maritime, Nature, Travel

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I’m going on a Hidden Harbor Tour tonight and I’m excited! I’ll board the Zephyr at Pier 16 in lower Manhattan at 6:15pm and explore the Brooklyn waterfront down to Sunset Park, over to Kill Van Kull and Howland Hook, back to Military Ocean and Global Marine Terminals and finally, past the Statue of Liberty on a two hour tour. FUN! This particular tour is sponsored by OpenHouseNewYork (OHNY) and the Working Harbor Committee. Exploring New York Harbor by boat is an interesting experience as well as a pleasant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. NOTE: tours often sell out quickly so plan ahead. (MORE INFO)

View of Verazano Narrows Bridge from a Tour Boat, Photo (c) Bernie Ente

Fireboat Display in Front of Brooklyn Bridge, Photo (c) Bernie Ente

Bayonne Bridge at Sunset, Photo (c) Bernie Ente

To Everything There Is a Season

11 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by in Art, Gardens, Nature, Travel

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Gardens are a work of art. We’re at the midpoint of summer now, my favorite season. Last week, I visited The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for the first time. I can’t wait to visit this artful garden again in the fall (my second favorite season). One of the current exhibitions is Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra and runs through August 21. It’s beautiful.

Daylily Walk, "Marse Connell", The New York Botanical Garden

A midsummer's view in a 50-acre tract of uncut forest that once covered New York City, The New York Botanical Garden