Incident Remains Under Investigation On Friday, June 23 at approximately 6:00 pm, Big Bend National Park’s Communications Center received a call requesting emergency assistance along the Marufo Vega Trail. A father and his two stepsons from Florida were hiking the Marufo Vega Trail in extreme heat. Temperatures at the time were 119 F. The youngest, […]
Two Visitor Fatalities in Big Bend National Park Read More »
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia) The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), a resilient and versatile cactus plant, holds a rich history among Native American cultures in the American Southwest. Revered for its culinary and medicinal properties, this remarkable plant has been integral to their traditions for centuries. From ancient festivals to explorers’ accounts and today’s current uses,
Prickly Pear: A Treasured Fruit of the Southwest, from Ancient Times to Modern Delights Read More »
In the mid-19th century, the United States Army embarked on an unusual venture to introduce camels as transportation for the Army and other military purposes. Initiated by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, the Camel Corps aimed to address the challenges of desert warfare and supply transport in the expanding southwestern regions of the country. Despite initial promises
The U.S. Army Camel Corps: A Forgotten Experiment in Military Transport Read More »
California’s Pala District is a renowned region for mining gemstones and is considered one of North America’s most important gemstone localities. Located in northern San Diego County, the Pala District has a rich history of gemstone discoveries. It has yielded an impressive array of minerals and remains an active gemstone extraction and exploration area. Tourmaline
Prospecting for Gems: Pala Mining District Read More »
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) saw multiple fatalities both on land and water this past weekend. Three people were killed in a multiple-car accident, two died by drowning, and one died of an apparent suicide. In addition, 23 people were rescued by park rangers, who also responded to criminal incidents, including assault, theft, and
Lake Mead NRA experiences six fatalities over Father’s Day Weekend Read More »
Focus is to End Deaths and Injuries Caused by Boating Under the Influence During the July 4th holiday weekend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water awareness and enforcement weekend. Law enforcement officers across the country will be on heightened alert July 1 through 3 to increase public awareness
Operation Dry Water Being Conducted on Lake Powell for July 4 2023 holiday Read More »
A Look Back at 5-Acre Homesteads in Southern California’s Desert Region Have you ever seen small cabins along stretches of vacant land in the region of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Wonder Valley? The small structures seem random, a solitary cabin in the middle of an otherwise barren parcel without any paved roads leading to or
The Jackrabbit Homesteads Read More »
Geology Fire Closures Alert 1, Severity closure, Geology Fire Closures Closures: Geology Tour Road, Berdoo Canyon Road, Pinkham Canyon, and Fried Liver Wash areas. Backcountry zones: Lost Horse, Pleasant Valley, Twin Tanks, and Hexie Mountains. Additional closures may occur, please follow all closure signs and notices. 06-15-23 Update: Geology Fire Incident Type: Wildfire Updated: 2023-06-15 Size: 1088
Geology Fire Closures – Joshua Tree National Park Read More »
The public is invited to celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 at Grand Canyon National Park. This day of events, including special programming, food and live music is sponsored by the National Park Service and Grand Canyon Conservancy. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger read his general orders to the people of Texas, recognizing
The Yuma Crossing, located along the Colorado River in southwestern Arizona, holds an important place in the history of trade and transportation in the American Southwest. Anchored by Fort Yuma, a military outpost, and the nearby Fort Yuma Trading Post, this strategic location facilitated steamboats’ movement of goods and supplies. Let’s delve into the rich
The Yuma Crossing and Fort Yuma: A Gateway of Trade and Transportation Read More »
