In this episode, an update on the dramatic hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, the Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for the National Park Service, and the opening of Voyager's National Park's Crane Lake Visitor Center. Also, Denali National Park's live puppy cam is back, and Disney announces a new Piston Peak National Park-themed expansion at Magic Kingdom.

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

00:00 Introduction 00:07 Yellowstone's Hydrothermal Explosion 03:08 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 03:47 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal 05:53 Controversial Directives on Public Lands 07:50 Voyager's National Park New Visitor Center 08:24 Denali National Park Puppy Cam 09:12 Disney's New National Park Themed Land 10:17 Conclusion

A $50 bet turned into a six-day national spectacle atop Devils Tower: The bizarre true story of George Hopkins—the daredevil parachutist who leapt onto the summit of America’s first national monument... and couldn’t get down.

Stranded on the iconic rock formation for nearly a week, Hopkins sparked a media frenzy, drew thousands of spectators, and prompted wild rescue offers from blimps to military helicopters—all thanks to a friendly wager.

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

Massive job cuts at the National Park Service are paused while contract approval at the US Forest Service is slowing cleaning and maintenance. A bear that can flip 800lb dumpsters is euthanized, hunting and fishing are expanded in wildlife refuges, and a hiker tells her harrowing tale of being lost for 24 days, surviving on wild leeks and boiled snow.

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

Comment on federal regulations here: https://www.regulations.gov/

In this episode of Parkography, I sit down with Chris Greer and Paul Daniel, the adventurous creators behind the PBS series View Finders. We dive into their creative journeys, the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in the wild, and their mission to inspire a deeper connection to nature through their work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves the call of the wild, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Hosted By: Jason Epperson

Guests:

Chris Greer: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/

Paul Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaniel5010/

View Finders on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/view-finders/

View Finders on Instagram: @viewfinderstv

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

In this National Park and Public Lands news roundup, we dive into the proposed 38% budget cut for the National Park Service, which could lead to the removal of some sites from the system. We cover the Interior Department's leaked plans to allow drilling, mining, and selling off federal land, as well as the potential reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison. Updates on Yosemite's summer reservations, a tragic crash near Yellowstone, various park closures, and more.

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 01:22 Trump Administration's Budget Proposal for National Parks 03:09 Leaked Interior Department Plan for Federal Lands 04:20 National Monuments and Endangered Species 05:15 House Appropriations Bill and National Park Funding 07:18 Staffing Issues and USACE Campground Closures 11:26 Yosemite Summer Reservations 13:01 Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone 13:41 Theft at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park 14:24 Jackson Hole Airport Achieves Dark Sky Status 15:18 Conclusion

In this episode, we explore the surprising impact of litter in our national parks, beginning with a vivid story from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Hear how a single discarded bag of Cheetos disrupted the delicate ecosystem of one of the largest limestone chambers and what it reveals about the broader issue of trash in parks. Discover the ongoing efforts to manage waste and tips on how you can minimize your footprint while enjoying these natural treasures.

Written By James Fester

Hosted by Jason Epperson

Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/

Don't Feed the Landfills:

https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/programs/reducing-waste-sent-to-landfills

https://www.nps.gov/dena/getinvolved/zero-landfill.htm

In a stunning shift of federal power, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now holds sweeping authority over the U.S. Department of the Interior — including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and more. DOGE appointee Tyler Hassen, a private oil exec, has been handed the keys to over 500 million acres of federal land with zero oversight.

In this episode, delve into the fascinating world of 'Witness Trees'—trees that have stood the test of time and witnessed key moments in American history. From the Civil War battlefields of Antietam, Gettysburg, and Manassas to the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, these trees have borne silent witness to significant events. We explore the stories and historical significance of several protected trees, including the Burnside Sycamore, the Oklahoma City Survivor Tree, and the iconic Jackson Magnolia at the White House. Through these stories, we're reminded of the resilience and endurance symbolized by these natural sentinels.

Written By Lizzie Tesch Narrated By Jason Epperson

00:00 Introduction: Witness Trees of America 02:24 Witness Trees of the Civil War 03:05 The Sycamore at Antietam 07:55 The Survivor Tree of Oklahoma City 11:34 Witness Trees in Washington DC 12:24 The Legacy of Jackson's Magnolia Tree 14:55 Conclusion: The Importance of Witness Trees