EJTerren

On my way home this afternoon, about to enter the fog. Yes, it was as hard to see as you can imagine.

You're right! He helps us see just how important beavers are to so much in our environment.
#ParkChat

Karen is right! I'd like to add that a big draw is the annual sandhill crane migration along the Platte River each spring. #ParkChat

A12. The #ParkChat book club is easy to join. We are reading Eager, the Surprising Secret Life of Beavers by Ben Goldfarb. The author teaches us about the importance of beavers in a an entertaining book. If you'd like to know more about joining us, contact our moderator, @ocparkbuilder.bsky.social

Thank you for joining us on #ParkChat. I like the way you think, please join any time!

A12. "Try swimming in a river instead of at the beach. Instead of sitting on the sand under an umbrella to read a book, try sitting by the rocky stream to read. Relax in solitude."
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A10. Interesting question! I'm having trouble thinking of something...but I can say that leading a bird hike is a lot easier in spring because migrating birds are so active and vocal.
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A8. Great Smoky Mountains NP and Mammoth Cave NP spring flowers are second to none. Can't find those photos, so instead here are a few from our Shawnee National Forest. As I've said before, this area should become Illinois' first national park! #ParkChat

A6. I'm no fan of heat and humidity. I've often thought it would be fun to start with spring in the south, perhaps the Everglades or the Rio Grande Valley, and move slowly north as spring advances in that direction. There are enough public lands to keep me occupied. #ParkChat

It is. I was there a couple years ago in March. If I remember correctly, the famous visitor center thermometer read 64°. There was snow in the higher elevations. #ParkChat

A5. I'm not sure, but I was amazed at Great Smoky Mountains NP when I visited one late May. There's enough change in elevation (up to slightly over one mile high) that you can go back through spring simply by driving up to Clingmans Dome. That's a pretty big deal for this Midwesterner.
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A3. Have you seen the back seat of my vehicle? I've got enough clothing back there for me in any weather, and some to share. It's an old habit from when I was working in my career, which often took me outdoors. There's usually an extra pair of boots, too. #ParkChat

Some of my favorite Texas places. #ParkChat

A1. I've visited several in spring, which is great for early wildflowers and migrating birds. One memorable visit to Shenandoah NP years ago included flowers, a bit of rain, fog (of course), and a short blizzard the afternoon I hike out across Big Meadow. #ParkChat

Hi everyone! We're finally getting some much needed rain here in Illinois. Fortunately, the severe storms are not currently in my area. #ParkChat

We need a woman as president so desperately. In fact, we need an entirely matriarchal government for at least a few generations. Men have been running wild for a bit too long.

We're always ready to welcome new members to our conversations. This book is so good!

Hey, you inspired me!
#ParkChat

A10. As @ejtemme.bsky.social has already said here, the experience of awe. It can be hard to find in our everyday lives. For me it can be found in vast expanses of grass or marshes, wild shores, mountains, wildflower meadows, and dark, dark skies: our public lands. #ParkChat

Thank you for joining us tonight. I do enjoy your park coverage! Keep up the good work.
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Some of us (me) have spent part of our careers in wetland protection and restoration, so I'm happy to hear you have grown to appreciate them. 🙂
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Beautiful thoughts!
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A8. Selling off the land, loss of funding, reduction in staff, removal of protected status.
I'm worried, quite frankly.
Note to the future: don't ever take things for granted.
#ParkChat

A6. Just imagine what would happen if every visitor to a national park called or emailed (or old-fashioned mailed) their US Representative and both Senators when they got home-with the message to do more to protect our parks! Millions of calls and letters. Congress looks at numbers.
#ParkChat

A3. This should be a primary role of parks. Each park can offer unique lessons about wildlife, water quality, climate change, air quality, soil erosion, and human influence. Whether it's visitor center displays, a ranger talk, or a trail map, there's room for the message. #ParkChat

Yep, we go with the flow.
#ParkChat

A4. I have visited very small park units with no staff present, but with a phone number to call for a description of each point of interest. This has been very helpful, and is better than reading. Tech can improve accessibility. Each of us must use it responsibly, though. #ParkChat

Hi #ParkChat! I'm in Illinois.

A1. Bigger crowds, certainly. I've also noticed fewer rangers, or it seems that way. A park I've returned to a few times is Rocky Mountain NP. On my first two visits I saw no elk. During my last two visits elk were everywhere, it seemed. #ParkChat

It's about time. #ParkChat