#alum rock park

[hemorrhage]

Hiking in San Jose

[sleepnoises]

went to pinnacles and had a whale of a time seeing various lichens, mosses, etc

[westmidlandssurveyorco]

Anstey Horne

The UK's top specialist Rights of Light, Daylight & Sunlight, Party Wall, Building Consultancy & Fire Consultancy practice.

Visit Our Website

[westmidlandssurveyoruk]

Anstey Horne

The UK's top specialist Rights of Light, Daylight & Sunlight, Party Wall, Building Consultancy & Fire Consultancy practice.

Visit Our Website

[monstroso]

every post you make about chicago makes me want to go is it worth moving there?

i love this ask so much that i'm going to out myself as a LIAR and a CHARLATAN: i don't live in the city rn i'm living in the suburbs atm but I did go to school in the city (CCC alums hiiiii) and i loved every second of it. it's an enormous cultural hotspot, I love ALL the museums, the public transit is PRETTY GOOD, no matter what you're into (music, art, theater, history, politics) there's a community and places to congregate.

you'll hear on the news that Chicago is dangerous but like any city it depends on where you go. it's is also an expensive city to live in (rent as well as general cost of living) but again that's honestly most big urban centers right now. the real benefit of living here is that IL is a blue state with rock-solid legislation protecting basic rights that are eroding in a lot of other places, and I think it's more accessible and affordable than cities like NYC or LA.

if you're really interested in moving here r/Chicago pretty much always has a thread going where someone is asking about moving here or you can make your own, everyone on that subreddit's pretty chill and people will be honest with you about what places are and aren't worth checking out and you might get a better idea about what the cost of moving/living in the city will be.

If that's not financially feasible, I'd also encourage you to check out the suburbs around Chicago as well, especially ones close to a Metra line. Metra train lines run from Chicago Union Station to as far out as Kenosha, WI and it makes travel into the city REALLY easy and affordable. It's how I was able to go to school downtown three times a week while working part-time and pay off my student loans within a year of graduating because I didn't have to live on-campus or deal with the hassle of driving/parking in the city. One thing about the suburbs though is you'll definitely need a car. In the city that's less of a problem with the L and the busses.

Chicago is really, really nice I prommy. Especially if you live somewhere whose political future looks unstable, don't discount the Midwest and especially not IL.

This ask was not sponsored by the Chicago Bureau of Tourism.

[herbolcgists]

i ended up being busier than i anticipated and my sleep schedule regulated itself so when im normally up and running at night, ive been crashing early for some reason. i dont have her profile up, but once i do, i will update this with a link to it. i do have a moodboard for her.

❝ i just wanna ruin their day in one particular way ❞ huh, who’s PARK JIHYO? no, you’re mistaken, that’s actually AIDEN MOON. she is a TWENTY-SIX year old HALF-BLOOD witch who is HERBOLOGIST. she is a GRYFFINDOR alum and the child of LILY MOON & MUGGLE. she is known for being SPOILED, SELFISH, EGOCENTRIC, SHORT-SIGHTED, and GLORY-CHASING but also ADVENTUROUS, DEDICATED, LOYAL, BRAVE, and DECISIVE, so that must be why she always reminds me of the song SORORITY GIRLS BY MOMMY LONG LEGS and PINK ROSES IN FULL BLOOM, FLESH FLOWERS FROM A GARDEN, A KITCHEN THAT IS COMPLETELY PINK, PERFECTLY MANICURED NAILS, SLICES OF STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, BLASTING PUNK ROCK AT THE HIGHEST VOLUME. i hear she is aligned with the ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, so be sure to keep an eye on her.

tw: sickness, illness

now i havent played a spoiled brat in a hot minute and my love of bitches is causing me to go into withdrawal, so that is the main inspiration with aiden. she’s a rework of an old character because as i was building out the then nameless character, she was very close to one i already had.

why lily moon? i find it fascinating that a throw away character name has never been built out besides a last name, it was proto luna lovegood and we have no idea where the fuck she ended up post-sorting. girl wasn’t even respected enough to get an official sorting. so where was lily during the near destruction of everything she knew? it made most sense to have her be rather sick and in and out of school frequently. muggleborn girl, not a lot of connections to the wizarding world, gentle hufflepuff vibes. the poor sick rich girl trope.

post-war was a little easier. never expecting to have kids, lily was loose with the rules of hookups and ended up getting knocked up and not remembering the guys name. didnt matter, she was happy to be a mom.

aiden was born and immediately became her mom’s sun, moon and stars. she was never left to want or desire anything. to say she is spoiled is an understatement. shes used to getting her way and throwing a fit in order to get it. adulting has been showing her that isnt how the world works. doesnt mean she doesnt go crying to mummy if she ever feels slighted, and yes she still calls her mom mummy at the ripe age of 26.

aiden doesnt fuck around. she’s serious and gets shit done. same is true with her heritage of being born of a muggleborn witch and a muggle.

since she was in hogwarts, she had always taken to nature based magic and herbology in particular. magical creatures, herbology, alchemy. but her love is in plants. shes the bitch who’s entire flat is just plants everywhere. she takes great pride in her magic-less grown orchid and it is very much her baby. her name is gucci. all of her plants are named. 

this is what i have so far. ill fill her out more as i get used to her in this setting.

[thenativetank]

VA Native Fish Hunting - Interlude

Today was more about staking out a potential new location for fish hunting - though I do believe I’ll come again for hiking, I’m unsure about the suitability for fishing. All the same, I saw a few things worth documenting.

This place was called Alum Springs, a little park spanning a section of Hazel Run here in Virginia. It’s best known for having sandstone cliff faces containing traces of, you guessed it, Alum! During rain storms, they wash into the water and make for a fun place to go rock hounding apparently. Lots of shiny stuff in the water - though possible was alum (or some of it was, anyways), I’m more inclined to guess most of it was mica.

Though I didn’t see a lot of wild life in the water, no snails or mussels/clams most notably, there were a small number of fish found in a couple of locations. Without my net, the above picture was about the best I could do. I’m like 85-92% certain that the majority of the fish seen were Creek Chubs (the most populous freshwater fish on the eastern seaboard, naturally) though I think I saw a few shiners.

You may have noticed that the above picture is not a fish! Found this Katydid on the middle of a paved path, on his last legs, sadly. I moved him off to the side of the road so he doesn’t get squished, but the prognosis still wasn’t good.

One fun find was this guy - my first Eastern Rhinoceros beetle! This was a fairly chunky male, though the species don’t get quite as big as one might think. I’d wager this speciment was close to 1.5 inches, tops. He had sadly passed already, but we collected him for later bug pinning adventures. Not a bad gain!

Afterwards we got lunch and went out for bubble tea. I’m an absolute bubble tea FIEND and taro is by far my favorite. If you’ve never had it, it strikes me as kind of a cookies-and-cream flavor. Highly recommend!

[nbtoday]

NBT Music Spotlight: Hair Magic

Hair Magic is a Highland Park-based punk rock trio featuring Rutgers alum Jen Rector on guitar and vocals, Christine Espiritu on bass, and New Brunswick Music Scene Archive founder Christie Lutz on drums.

Hair Magic is a Highland Park-based punk rock trio featuring Rutgers alum Jen Rector on guitar and vocals, Christine Espiritu on bass, and New Brunswick Music Scene Archive founder Christie Lutz on drums. The band released its second EP in April and tonight (Nov. 18) plays its final gig of 2023 at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen. The trio sat down with our music reporter Bennett Kelly…

[mo79zz]

Intersections Planning

I began looking into some of the places I could include in my mural by researching the stops and locations that the buses near me travel to. I've created a pathway from one place to another, but mainly going from ''shops to beaches'' and I plan to illustrate the key features from each location and blend them together to create one seamless road

Hamworthy Twin Sails

Holes Bay

Poole Quay

Dolphin Centre

Bus Station

Poole Park

Bournemouth Arcade

Bournemouth Pier

Alum Chine

Sandbanks

Old Harry Rocks

Swanage

Durdle Door

However, after doing some rough sketches of the locations I had picked for my mural, I realised that it became quite challenging drawing some of them as they are just scenic coastal locations without any key features (such as Holes Bay) or alternatively, may be too intricately detailed for me to illustrate in a simplistic style like I was hoping (such as Poole Dolphin centre/ bus station). This may make my plan for this mural a lot more difficult than I had anticipated. Additionally, it would be difficult to combine all locations together to create a map and I believe it is past my skillset. The vision in my head has not translated to paper.

To overcome this I am going to decrease the amount of locations I have, and just try to keep ones that are most recognisable and easy to draw.

This is how the layout of the illustration would look, with the purple line being the road for the route of the bus. I hope to try and include subtle location names across the road as well as place a bus on the road with text behind saying “Welcome to Dorset” or something along those lines

[davidpwilson2564]

Bloglet

Friday, September 22, 2023

Attend to some shopping after seeing the weather report. Rain and wind coming this weekend. Talk to Jean. She had heard from Staci, my sister's younger daughter. I had tried to leave a message for my sister but only got her machine. Tried to explain that a slight health issue would prevent my coming down on the reunion (she knew about it; she knows all the local news). In truth I bailed. I could have gone down. Just couldn't face it. I think that, in trying to reach my sister I got her younger daughter. They are always trading phones and email addresses. Always on the go, those two. Better to stay busy down there. Church, shopping, eating. (My sister is seventy and fully employed. Having a stay-at-home husband, this is a good thing. She is well loved in her community. Does a lot of church work.)

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Spectrum music channel. "Grand Canyon Suite"...That first section...sunrise...really quite nice. (I was talking [Zooming] with Kenny D yesterday. He has just come back from a music festival there. Jarred lose memories of having gone there. [A couple of times.]) And, of course, brought back memories of having played the piece a couple of times (a big piece! lots of moving parts)...those percussion oddments...thundersheet and wind machine...(big percussion rental).

Sort of missing my Oak Ridge High friends, but not enough to go there. My insomnia...knowing I'd spend a sleepless night in a hotel. Having to be near the usual creature comforts has, I fear, made me unfit for travel. I have recently touched base with a couple of alums (thank God for email). I have learned, no surprise, that a friend is dying and wants to talk to me. Such ambivalent feelings about high school (!).

Despite awful weather there is a HUGE concert in Central Park. Tens of thousands of wet kids here to see rock bands. (It was for a cause...I look it up...Global Citizens Concert...something about ending poverty...hmm...sounds suspicious to me...if you give a FREE concert they will come...) My street closed off. Many policemen. After shopping I have to show ID to get back on my block.

to be continued

[gracethomas04]

WWR Week 3

It’s me, hi! Welcome back to week 3 of my Women Who Rock internship. Exciting things are happening as we count down the days until the annual benefit concert - 32 days to be exact. Let’s begin with Thursday, we went over the “script” that will go to any Pittsburgh-based influencers who will be attending the concert. The overall summary of it was an overview of what the company is, who is performing at the benefit, and why it is being put on. The influencers will make a post prior to the event date, along with content throughout the night of the concert. Next up, we went back to our Pink Pumpkin Patch idea and continued discussing the rough details of it such as when it is happening, where are we getting the pumpkins, and . who is going to paint them pink. Moving on from the pumpkin patch, we were given a mini project to do, which was to come up with new ideas for some buttons. I decided to make a Pinterest board to share with everyone. On the board, I added any sort of ideas - such as what’s trending right now, and overall vibes. We ended up with two really awesome ideas, I won’t say exactly what they are since we are still in the developing stages so you’ll just have to take my word on it 🙂. Finally, on Thursday, we sat in on another weekly call with the Magee-Womens Marketing team. A couple of things discussed were about inventory, and how many VIP tickets are available.

On Friday we started by going over the map of where everything will be set up at Stage AE on the day of the show. We also got to package up the bought VIP tickets into envelopes to give to sponsors, businesses, and more. Next, we helped unpack the van from an event the previous day as well as repacking merchandise for a pop-up. Finally, on Friday, we got to pick out a piece of merchandise from the store to take home. This is because we came up with an idea for the TikTok, we are going to do an OOTD (outfit of the day). So next Friday, everyone is going to be wearing a different piece of WWR merch styled however we want. 

Surprise we have another day to recap! On Saturday, I got to work the WWR Pop-up Shop at the Strip District Terminal (I took some pictures that I will add in 🙂). As soon as I got there, I helped set up/decorate the table and hang up the merchandise. When the event started rocking I learned how to use Shopify to check out customers which was actually quite easy and straightforward once we got the credit card scanner working. It was a gorgeous hot day out in Pittsburgh, which made this event so nice to be at. Some other people working at the event were Point Park SAEM alums, and I got to talk and network with people in my field. 

That is all for this week folks, I hope you enjoyed hearing me ramble. See you again next week for more exciting adventures!

[westmidlandssurveyorco]

Party Wall Surveyors West Midlands: Everything You Need to Know

As a property owner in the West Midlands planning to undertake construction work, you may have come across the term "Party Wall Surveyor." If you haven't, you should know that it is a crucial role in the process of constructing, renovating, or extending a building that shares a boundary with an adjacent property.

If you're planning to carry out work on a shared wall or boundary, you need to ensure that you comply with the Party Wall, etc. Act 1996. This act stipulates that a building owner must serve a notice to their neighbor informing them of the work and allow them to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. The appointed Party Wall Surveyor is responsible for protecting both parties' interests and ensuring that the work complies with the Act.

If you're looking for Party Wall Surveyors in the West Midlands, you're in the right place. Anstey Horne is a leading firm of chartered surveyors that offers expert advice and guidance on all aspects of party wall matters. Our team of experienced and highly qualified surveyors can assist you with all aspects of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, from serving notices to undertaking surveys and preparing reports.

Why Choose Anstey Horne for Party Wall Matters in the West Midlands?

Expertise Our team of surveyors has a wealth of experience and expertise in party wall matters. We understand the complexities of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and can provide you with comprehensive advice and guidance throughout the process.

Prompt Service We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and aim to provide our clients with prompt and efficient service. We'll work closely with you to ensure that your project is not delayed, and all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the work proceeds smoothly.

Competitive Rates At Anstey Horne, we believe that expert advice and guidance should be affordable for everyone. That's why we offer competitive rates to all our clients without compromising on the quality of our service.

Personalized Approach We understand that each project is unique, and we'll work closely with you to ensure that your specific needs are met. Our personalized approach means that we'll take the time to understand your requirements and tailor our services to meet your needs.

Comprehensive Services At Anstey Horne, we offer a comprehensive range of party wall services in the West Midlands, including serving notices, undertaking surveys, preparing reports, and resolving disputes. Our team of surveyors has the skills and expertise to handle even the most complex of party wall matters.

If you're planning to undertake construction work on a shared wall or boundary, it's essential to ensure that you comply with the Party Wall, etc. Act 1996. Failure to do so can result in costly legal disputes and delays in your project. Anstey Horne can help you navigate this process and ensure that your project proceeds smoothly.

Contact Us If you're looking for Party Wall Surveyors in the West Midlands, look no further than Anstey Horne. Our team of experienced surveyors can provide you with comprehensive advice and guidance on all aspects of party wall matters. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your project.

[westmidlandssurveyoruk]

Daylight Analysis in West Midlands: Why it Matters for Your Project

As more and more cities across the world strive to become sustainable and livable, the role of daylight in the built environment is gaining increasing importance. The West Midlands region of England is no exception, with an ever-growing number of architects, planners, and developers seeking to create buildings and spaces that optimize natural light.

If you're involved in a project in the West Midlands, whether it's new construction, renovation, or extension, daylight analysis is a critical aspect that you shouldn't overlook. In this article, we'll delve into what daylight analysis is, why it matters, and how Anstey Horne can help you achieve optimal daylight performance.

What is Daylight Analysis? Daylight analysis is the process of evaluating the amount, quality, and distribution of natural light in a building or space. It involves measuring various parameters such as illuminance (the amount of light that falls on a surface), luminance (the brightness of a surface), and glare (the discomfort caused by excessive brightness). These measurements are then compared to established standards and guidelines to assess whether the space meets the required level of daylight performance.

Daylight analysis can be carried out at different stages of a project, from early design to post-construction. In the early stages, it helps architects and planners to make informed decisions about the orientation, size, and shape of a building, as well as the location and size of openings such as windows and skylights. Later on, it allows builders and contractors to verify that the actual performance of the building matches the design intent.

Why Does Daylight Analysis Matter? Daylight is essential for our health, well-being, and productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase alertness and concentration. It can also reduce energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

However, not all natural light is equal. Too little light can lead to a gloomy and uninviting environment, while too much light can cause discomfort, glare, and heat gain. Daylight analysis helps to strike a balance between these two extremes by ensuring that the building or space is optimized for the occupants' needs and preferences.

Daylight analysis is also a legal requirement in many cases. For example, in the UK, the Building Regulations Part L1A requires that new dwellings meet certain minimum standards for daylight provision. The BRE's Home Quality Mark also includes daylight as one of its core criteria for assessing the sustainability and quality of new homes.

How Can Anstey Horne Help? At Anstey Horne, we have extensive experience in carrying out daylight analysis for a wide range of projects in the West Midlands and beyond. Our team of experts uses advanced software tools such as Radiance and Daysim to simulate daylight performance accurately. We also take into account factors such as site location, climate, and building orientation to ensure that the analysis is tailored to your specific project.

We can provide daylight analysis services at various stages of your project, including:

Concept design: We can help you to develop a design that maximizes natural light while minimizing energy consumption and glare. Planning applications: We can prepare reports and visualizations that demonstrate compliance with planning policies and regulations. Detailed design: We can work with you to fine-tune the design and provide detailed recommendations on window size and location, shading devices, and interior finishes. Post-construction: We can carry out on-site measurements and verify that the actual daylight performance of the building matches the design intent. In addition to daylight analysis, we also offer a range of other services that can help you to achieve a sustainable and high-quality built environment, including energy assessments, air quality assessments, and noise assessments.

Conclusion Daylight analysis is a crucial aspect of designing and building a sustainable and healthy built environment in the West Midlands. By optimizing natural light, you can enhance the comfort, well-being, and productivity of occupants while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Anstey Horne's expertise in daylight analysis and other related services can help you to achieve these goals while meeting planning policies and regulations. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your project.

[xtruss]

An abandoned building in the historic mining town of Ashford, Colorado, serves as the backdrop for stargazing. Hosted by the National Park Service, dark sky events are one way to help preserve public parks. Photograph By Babak Tafreshi, National Geographic Image Collection

Some U.S. National Parks Are Trying To Go Carbon-Free. What Does That Mean For Visitors?

U.S. National Parks are more climate-forward than ever. Discover ways you can support their mission.

— By Jacquiline Kehoe | August 4, 2023

Visiting at night and taking free public transportation are just two of the ways the National Park Service is encouraging visitors to go green.

In the early 2000s, NPS set out to address its environmental impact head-on. The first Green Parks Plan sought to answer big-picture questions: How can our national parks become Carbon-Neutral? Where do park emissions come from? Who or what accounts for the parks’ sizable carbon footprint?

Time and again, the answer? Visitors.

At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, guest transportation emissions—the park’s main greenhouse-gas offender—were 157 times greater than park operations. At Everglades, vehicle and watercraft use by travelers accounted for 86 percent of mobile combustion, the largest emissions-producing sector.

The NPS is now on its third iteration of the Green Parks Plan, released in early 2023. It’s the most robust version yet—goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to near zero, eliminating landfill waste, and investing in renewable energy. But the facts haven’t changed: these fragile landscapes need more from us.

“It’s essential to recognize that the national parks belong to the people and that people have an impact on our natural resources,” says NPS spokesperson Dave Barak. Without visitor support, in-park sustainability measures can only go so far. Working together, says Barak, “will allow NPS far more success in preserving and safeguarding these natural treasures than we could ever achieve without [visitor] support.”

Of course, most national parks seem purpose-built for a great American road trip. But that’s slowly changing. At the national parks below, exciting climate initiatives are afoot. All you have to do to help is skip the rental car.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Lake Superior parks

In January 2023, the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation announced that all five park units on America’s largest lake—the fastest-warming lake in the world—will go carbon-free. Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Grand Portage National Monument, and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are transitioning to electric equipment and transport, investing in solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), and retrofitting all buildings to energy-efficient standards.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park—routinely the most visited national park in the country—has a vision problem. Thanks to human-caused pollution from within and around the area, such as burning fossil fuels, overflowing parking lots, and traffic jams, those famed “smoky” views are now smoggy. This haze has reduced the park’s visibility from 93 miles to 25 miles.

To tackle the issue, the park has paired with seven local shuttle companies to reduce congestion.

From Gatlinburg, Bryson City, and several other cities in Tennessee and North Carolina surrounding the wilderness area, visitors can book round-trip transfers to popular spots like Alum Cave Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, and Clingmans Dome, without worrying about parking and idling in traffic. Some providers also offer services to Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee national forests for further adventures.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, revenue from parking tags sold via solar-powered vending machines (pictured) go toward improving the park’s trails, custodial services, and education. Photograph By Carolyn Franks/Alamy

Lake Superior Parks

In January 2023, the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation announced that all five park units on America’s largest lake—the fastest-warming lake in the world—will go carbon-free. Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Grand Portage National Monument, and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are transitioning to electric equipment and transport, investing in solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), and retrofitting all buildings to energy-efficient standards.

Visitors can support the region’s goals by opting for the parks’ signature “silent adventures.” Kayak along the red rocks of Apostle Islands from Meyers Beach; go wilderness camping among the dense forests of Isle Royale; or hike the 8.5-mile Grand Portage Trail, an Anishinaabe canoe route, to the campsites at Fort Charlotte.

A kayaker paddles across Lake Superior from Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, in Wisconsin, one of the various “silent adventures” offered around the lake. Photograph By David Bowman, National Geographic Image Collection

Alaska Parks

The face of Alaska is changing: At Denali National Park, a landslide—induced by permafrost thaw—has cut the park’s 92-mile road by half. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park could once touch Exit Glacier, but now it is a distant photograph. Whale populations are down some 58 percent at Glacier Bay National Park.

Beyond learning about the Alaska park’s zero-landfill goals and a new cruise-ship inspection program, visitors are encouraged to join immersive programs about climate-change education via ranger talks and science-focused tours. For example, on the hike to Kenai’s Exit Glacier, visitors will see signs marking the glacier’s retreating path, starting from 1917 to 2010.

Denali and Kenai visitors can skip the rental car by taking the Alaska Railroad out of Anchorage Airport, north to Denali National Park. Therem they can take a bus tour, hike designated trails, and camp. For Kenai, ride the rails south to Seward, where you can hop on a fjord tour—choose an Adventure Green Alaska-certified outfitter like Kenai Fjords Tours—or overnight off-grid at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, kayaking from your waterfront door.

In Glacier Bay, the rental car isn’t an option—more than 95 percent of visitors arrive via cruise ship. But, travelers can choose a smaller cruise line like Lindblad Expeditions or Alaskan Dream Cruises, a local-owned cruise line, to better take in the state’s vast wildness.

Visitors explore Exit Glacier in Alaska’s rugged Kenai Fjords National Park. The site acts as a real-time study of glacial retreat, with interpretive signs showing where the ice once extended. Photograph By Rich Reid, National Geographic Image Collection

Everglades National Park

After back-to-back hurricanes in 2005 and then again in 2007, Everglades National Park was forced to adapt. Flamingo, the visitor center at the southernmost tip of the Florida Peninsula, has been redesigned with climate-adaptable features. Repurposed and elevated steel shipping containers comprise the new Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center—which once flooded up to 10 feet—has also been elevated and rebuilt to withstand the area’s now common storm surges.

Visitors looking to abandon the rental car should take advantage of the Homestead Trolley, which gets its riders free entrance into Everglades (and Biscayne National Park). As a result of a 2008 study that called for reducing visitor emissions, the trolley now runs from November to April, from Homestead to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Royal Palm/Anhinga Trail.

For an overnight Everglades experience, try the park’s new eco-tents. Roughly 100 feet from Florida Bay, their removable walls are built on elevated platforms. Sit back and watch roseate spoonbills and ospreys from your patio, or rent kayaks at the nearby Flamingo Marina and head out on the water. If you’re a serious paddler, camp overnight on one of the park’s chickees like it’s your own private island (albeit a wooden one).

Visitors look out at the wetlands outside the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Florida’s Everglades National Park. From November to April, you can reach the center via an environmentally friendly trolley from Homestead. Photograph By Lynne Sladky/AP

Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon West, famed for its see-through skywalk, is going 100 percent solar. Under the purview of the Hualapai Tribe, the area’s existing diesel-energized power grid will be supported with a new clean, renewable solar energy field and battery storage system.

Its NPS counterpart, Grand Canyon National Park is also busy innovating. Beyond an increase in LEED-certified facilities, visitors can skip the long entrance lines by cycling into the park via the Grand Canyon Greenway Trail. The 6.5-mile gradually rises from Tusayan, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. From there, cyclists can double that distance on the South Rim.

The bike-friendly Tusayan shuttle flits between the visitors center and the greenway’s trailhead for a one-way ride. With plenty of parking, non-cyclists can leave their cars and take advantage of the shuttle as well.

National Park, Arizona. Photograph By Cascoly/ALAMY

Colorado Parks

Colorado’s fight for a greener world has an interesting bent: much of it happens at night. Five national parks and monuments in the Centennial State are designated International Dark Sky parks, where light pollution is regulated, and the Milky Way still illuminates. Robust night programming at each park—like ranger tours and night-sky festivals—aims to decrease daytime visitation and educate visitors on how dark skies are necessary to us, wildlife, and our planet.

The only Colorado national park not designated as an International Dark Sky Park is Rocky Mountain. Travelers can reduce the popular park’s congestion (and brighten its skies) by utilizing the free Estes Park Hiker Shuttle. Riding from town to the Estes Park Visitor Center, visitors can transfer to the Bear Lake or Moraine Park shuttles to get to their trailhead or campground of choice—and wander this alpine landscape without leaving a trace.

— Jacqueline Kehoe is a Freelance Writer and Photographer from the Midwest.

[heidiblairsanjoseofficial]

Heidi Blair San Jose - Find Out About San Jose's Natural Wonders

According to Heidi Blair San Jose San Jose, California, is a fantastic city with a wealth of natural beauty that draws tourists from all over the world. San Jose offers a variety of sites to visit, including breath-taking parks, lovely gardens, and animal preserves. According to local resident Heidi Blair San Jose, who knows the area like the back of her hand, we will highlight some of the top locations for nature enthusiasts to explore in the city in this blog.

Explore Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park is one of San Jose's most beautiful and well-known parks. It is located in the foothills of the Diablo Range and offers visitors stunning views of the city. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and mountain lions, and features several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.

Visit the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

If you're a fan of flowers, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is a must-visit destination. This garden is home to over 4,000 rose bushes and is one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the world. The garden also features several other plants and flowers, including camellias and irises.

Experience the Beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a beautiful and tranquil oasis located in the heart of San Jose. This garden was designed to promote friendship and cultural understanding between Japan and the United States. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, including a koi pond, waterfall, and tea house.

Explore the Wildlife at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning wildlife reserve located just outside of San Jose. It is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife, including endangered species such as the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, by bike, or by kayak.

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Alum Rock Park is a municipal park located in San Jose, California, USA. It is one of the oldest municipal parks in California, established in 1872, and covers an area of over 700 acres. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and recreational activities.

The park's natural features include steep canyons, rocky outcroppings, and beautiful vistas. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species. The park's hiking trails range from easy to challenging, with options for all skill levels. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide opportunities for visitors to observe the park's wildlife and natural beauty.

In addition to hiking, Alum Rock Park offers other recreational activities, such as picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. The park has several picnic areas, some of which can be reserved in advance. The park's fishing lake is stocked regularly with trout, and a fishing license is required for those who wish to fish.

Alum Rock Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature. The park has been recognized for its conservation efforts and commitment to preserving its natural beauty.