America’s National Parks Podcast

This week, we're setting sail for Alcatraz, the infamous island prison once deemed inescapable. But in 1962, three men dared to challenge this notion and embarked on a daring escape that continues to captivate the world to this day. 

Join us as we delve into the lives of these audacious inmates, explore their meticulously planned breakout, and dive into the icy waters of mystery that surround their fate.

Did they make it to freedom, or did the relentless San Francisco Bay claim their lives?

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com

In this episode of America's National Parks, join host Jason Epperson as we delve into the lesser-known figures of American history and the National Park Service sites dedicated to their lives and contributions. Explore the stories behind the Thomas Stone National Historical Site, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Roger Williams National Memorial, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Discover how these historic sites provide unique insights into the lives of these individuals and the impact they had on the nation. From founding fathers and revolutionary heroes to pirates turned patriots, uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped America and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.

Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis

Hosted By Jason Epperson

In this episode, we share the news about upcoming closures at Yosemite National Park due to flooding concerns from snowmelt. Plus, Death Valley goes cashless, condors are dying from a new bird flu, how to get reservations for the annual synchronous firefly viewing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more. *****

Dive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, from its pioneering beginnings to its modern status as a world-class climbing destination. In this episode, we explore the iconic routes, legendary climbers, and groundbreaking techniques that have shaped the sport of climbing in Yosemite. We'll also examine the ongoing challenge of balancing recreation and conservation, as climbers and park officials work together to protect this cherished natural treasure for future generations.

Written By Chris Linn

Hosted By Jason Epperson

Theme Music By Peter Xiong

Join us as we explore the enigmatic life and mysterious disappearance of Everett Ruess, a young artist, poet, and adventurer who vanished without a trace in the remote wilderness of southeastern Utah in 1934. We'll delve into Ruess' life, his love for the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, and the enduring fascination with his unsolved disappearance. We'll also discuss the modern-day search for answers, the tantalizing DNA evidence, and how you can follow in Ruess' footsteps by visiting Capitol Reef National Park.

Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com

and by Campendium | www.campendium.com

Discover the beauty of accessibility at America's National Parks in this episode. From scenic drives and picturesque vistas to innovative adaptive activities, we dive into the wonders of national parks for people with mobility disabilities, families with young children, and anyone seeking less strenuous outdoor experiences. Join us as we explore how the National Park Service is committed to providing equal opportunity and unforgettable adventures for all.

Written by Lauren Eisenberg Davis

Hosted by Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com

and by Campendium | www.campendium.com

• Explore a variety of national parks with accessible trails, including Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Glacier, Denali, Shenandoah, and more
• Learn about the National Park Service's commitment to accessibility and the America the Beautiful Access Pass
• Find out about adaptive activities offered in national parks, such as sand wheelchairs at Great Sand Dunes National Park, guided adaptive climbing at Devil's Tower National Monument, and accessible canoe and kayak launches at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Discover historic refurbished bus tours in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks
• Hear about the accessible beach in Grand Teton National Park and its adaptive sports programs

A new bill in the U.S. Senate is poised to make major changes to federal lands recreation. In this episode, we have all the details.  Find the press release, along with the full text of the bill here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/3/manchin-barrasso-introduce-bipartisan-america-s-outdoor-recreation-act

This episode of America's National Parks Podcast delves into the fascinating world of the Northern Elephant Seal, including its near-extinction in the 1800s due to overhunting and the subsequent discovery of remnant populations in Mexico. Protective legislation was eventually put in place, allowing the species to rebound and return to the California coastline to breed.

Written by Dr. Charlotte Hacker Edited by Peter Xiong Hosted By Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LL Bean | www.llbean.com

and by Campendium | www.campendium.com

In the grassy High Plains of Northwest Nebraska, the landscape is punctuated by flat top buttes, and a few isolated landforms reminiscent of the badlands. A layer of sandstone builds the foundation of the area, sitting over a remarkable bonebed.

The grasslands provided good grazing, and James Cook acquired his ranch here, where the wetlands meet the prairie. Unbeknownst to him when he purchased the land, as his cattle grazed on the nodding heads of grain, beneath their feet lay a remarkable history of animals that came before them, the mammals of the Miocene Epoch. 

Dinosaur fossils tickle everyone’s imagination – but other, more recent (albeit still ancient) paleontology discoveries give rise to a continuum of long extinct animals indigenous to a region. As much as we tend to think of museums as focusing on dinosaurs, with examples such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named Sue, which is housed at the Field Museum in Chicago, museums also have extensive displays on the history of the rise of mammals.

Agate Fossil Beds tells the story of a treasure trove of mammal fossils in America’s Midwest.

Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis Audio Editor and Theme Music: Peter Xiong Host: Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com

On today’s episode of America’s National Parks, the comeback story of North American elk.

Written By Dr. Charlotte Hacker Audio Editor and Theme Music: Peter Xiong Host: Jason Epperson

Sponsored by LLBean www.llbean.com/guide and Campendium www.campendium.com