Trail Volume 20 Issue 2

The

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Vol 20 Issue 1 Spring 2025

THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS: NEW JERSEY PARKS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: KATIE LYNCH, BRIDGING SCIENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY Table of Contents

ALLAIRE STATE PARK, A WELL IN THE GARDEN OF TIME

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Contents

Meet our Staff

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Caleigh Pokallus

Letter from the Editor The Mojave Desert National Preserve William Clark

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The Great Smoky Mountains Lindsey Wiessner

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Exploring Shenandoah National Park Morgan Garrow

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Works Cited Writers’ Team

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National Park Staff Cuts Annika Noel

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Sofia Little

The Whole is Greater than the Sum 15 of its Parts: New Jersey Parks Analiese Haag Rocky Mountain Fun Anna McHugh Allaire State Park, A Well in the Garden of Time Evan DeAngelis Student Spotlight: Katie Lynch, Bridging Science and Sovereignty Emily Yang

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Interested in joining The Trail? Email us at epibtrail@gmail.com insta @epibtrail

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Meet Our Staff

Darssita Bhattacharya

Natalia Robles Carré

Editor & Designer

Graphic Designer

William Clark

Evan DeAngelis

Writer

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Writer & Editor

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Meet Our Staff

Lenna de la Cruz

Anastasia Formelio

Isabella Fowler

Morgan Garrow

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Editor & Designer

Writer & Editor

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Meet Our Staff

Analiese Haag

Lauren Koo

Sofia Little

Marshall McCullough

Graphic Designer

Writer & Editor

Editor-in-Chief

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Editor, Technical Advisor

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Meet Our Staff

Anna McHugh

Aleen Mirza

Annika Noel

Caleigh Pokallus

Graphic Designer

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

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Meet Our Staff

Lindsey Wiessner Writer & Editor, Head of Publishing

Molly Yesalavich Graphic Designer

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Emily Yang Writer, Director of Communications

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

Thank you for taking the time to read our final issue of the year! The Trail team has worked hard to develop a theme that is compelling, uplifting, and relevant in these environmentally and politically turbulent times. As you read, I hope you recall a national or state park you’ve visited (or hope to visit) and the memories you had there. Time outside is a luxury, and despite their storied history, national parks remain an important outlet to experiencing the natural world.

This issue focuses on our national parks, exploring their beauty, complexity, and the evolving challenges they face. As you read, I encourage you to reflect on the parks you’ve visited or hope to explore. What do they represent to you?

How can we protect these spaces for future generations?

As we end our year, I would like to thank everyone who worked to bring this issue to life. We had a fast turnaround, engaged writers, designers, and editors, and the results speak for themselves. I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to The Trail this semester. This issue is a testament to your dedication and vision. Looking to the future, I know The Trail will continue to expand its reach, its breadth, and its capacity to create.

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The Mojave Desert National Preserve By: Will Clark The many key features of the Mojave Preserve attract tourists from across the world. In particular, the Joshua trees act as the de facto face of desert flora.

The National Park Service tells the tale succinctly: Source: Science Photo Library. (2018). Landscape Of The Mojave Desert [Photograph]. Science Photo Library. URL

When we typically think of national parks or national forests, the last thing we think of are deserts – they are often overlooked and underappreciated. This article is meant to give you a cursory look into the rich history, features, fauna, and flora of one destination in particular: the Mojave Desert National Preserve.

“Once classified as a giant lily, modern DNA research has placed it in the Agave family. Like the California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), the Joshua tree is a monocot–part of the same botanical group that includes grasses and orchids” (Joshua TreesJoshua Tree National Park).

Joshua trees are renowned for their unusual lifespan in what is considered an inhospitable region. Typically living for a century-and-a-half, they have been noted to have lived far past this limit: some for three hundred years, and others (albeit incredibly uncommon) up to one thousand.

The Mojave Desert National Preserve (MDNP) was established in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act, putting 1.6 million acres of land under the protection of the National Parks System (Mojave National Preserve). Although the reserve is named after the Mojave Desert, portions of the Great Basin and Sonoran deserts are also part of this preserve. Both the desert and this national park get their namesakes from the Mojave tribe, who call themselves Pipa Aha Macav, or the “People by the Source: John Dittli. (2016). California's Mojave Desert [Photograph]. Creative Commons. URL River” (About Us | Fort Mojave Indian Table of Contents Tribe).

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A provider of shelter for the many animals of the deserts, it is protected under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act put into place in 2023; this prohibits (without authorization from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) the tree’s import, export, possession and unpermitted killing (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act).

The Mojave Green Rattlesnake, Crotalus scutulatus, although intriguing and beautiful creatures, are not to be trifled with as their venom is potent to both prey and humans. Preferring flatlands with vegetation, they are active throughout the late hours into the night and capable of surviving in harsh conditions for months without food.

Besides Joshua trees, there are many other interesting pieces of scenery. At certain times of the year, when conditions are just right, another beautiful feature of the Mojave Preserve can be witnessed: the Wildflower Carpets. When wildflowers bloom near the Kelso Dune, they appear as carpets of different shades: dune evening primrose, hairy sand verbena, bigelow’s monkeyflower, and many more can be seen, creating a staggeringly beautiful mosaic of different colors and shades along the desert’s dunes (Mojave National Preserve).

The Mojave National Preserve is also home to thousands of species of insects.

In particular, the Kelso Dunes are the home of several endemic species: crickets, wasps, aphids, and many more (Insects). This makes the Mojave Desert National Preserve incredibly important in preserving the species that make up desert ecosystems. Bark scorpions, tarantulas, and tarantula hawk wasps are also notable inhabitants of the MDNP. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to catch scorpions at night, where they can be seen glowing in the dark.

In regards to fauna, there are hundreds of different species of animals. Mammals like Bighorn Sheep and mountain lions are quite common, as are reptiles like the desert tortoise and Mojave Green Rattlesnake. The desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, spends much of its up to eighty-year lifespan (ninety-five percent!) underground (Animals-Mojave National Preserve).

Although not as appreciated as other national parks, MDNP houses just as many, if not more, crucial species for its particular ecosystem. From aesthetic beauty to underground aquifers, the wildlife provides wonderful ecosystem services. It is important to notice the beauty where it is not often recognized, and the Mojave Desert National Preserve is just that “Diamond in the Dust” you should take a chance on.

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Exploring Shenandoah National Park By: Morgan Garrow

“We seek to pass on to our children a richer land, a stronger nation. I, therefore, dedicate Shenandoah National Park to this and succeeding generations of Americans for the recreation and for the re-creation which we shall find here.” -FDR Shenandoah National Park, enjoyed by millions of visitors each year, encompasses approximately 200,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains across eight Virginia counties. Though the park was first proposed in 1901, it was officially established in 1935. During these 34 years of stallment, Virginia state officials acquired and donated significant parcels of land to the federal government (Staff, 2019).

The creation of Shenandoah aligned with the booming automobile industry, allowing visitors to travel from afar. The boom in personal vehicles also led to the construction of the famous Skyline Drive as a way to explore the park that exists to this day. The stretch of 105 miles filled with overlooks, trails, picnic spots, and camping sites was

built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s (Staff, 2019). The CCC was an important federal relief program from the 1930s to the 1940s, spearheaded by FDR and the New Deal. More than 6,500 young men contributed to the creation of Shenandoah over 9 years. Not only were these employment opportunities helpful in constructing the parks, but they also allowed young men to earn money, learn useful skills for the workforce, and high school education for some (CCC, 2018).

Photo Credits: National Park Service photo

What sets Shenandoah apart from other National Parks is that, with it being on the eastern part of the country, families and towns were established here for centuries.

This meant the displacement of many people to the outskirts, forming small

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Virginia towns. Today, remnants of these early homesteads, such as cemeteries and historical structures, remain scattered throughout the park, offering a glimpse into its human history (Shenandoah National Park Trust, 2020).

Perhaps a lesser-known aspect of Shenandoah’s history is that of segregation and civil rights battles. The segregation of the amenities at Shenandoah National Park involved a battle between the federal government and private interests with conflicting stances on the separation of races.

The park's concessionaire, the Virginia SkyLine Company, resisted federal requests to eliminate explicit segregation on campgrounds and lodging. This company even threatened to withdraw its operations in the park instead of integrating upon federal request. Although the park was quietly desegregated around 1950, the lingering

In a conversation about National Parks, it is crucial to discuss the implications of this settlement on the Native Americans who once lived harmoniously with the land. At the time of colonial settlement around the 1700s, no tribes were residing in the Shenandoah territory, though some used the valley for hunting grounds, including Shawnee, Iroquois, Occoneechee, Monocans, and Piscataways, though no tribe had claims to the land. With increased settlement of the area, however, through the 1700s and 1800s, conflicts and further displacement of Native Americans became more prevalent (First Settlers, 2025).

Today, Shenandoah is celebrated for its diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and wetlands. Its natural beauty and rich history attract tourists year-round, contributing to local economies and tourist attractions. The park remains home to native plants and animals, this ecosystem continues to thrive and stand for the ideals and lessons of the early conservation movement.

Photo Credits: National Park Service photo

culture of exclusion deterred many African Americans from returning to the park for years after (Shenandoah NP, 2018).

Photo Credits: Appalachian Mountain Club

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National Park

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Staff Cuts Annika Noel

In February of 2025, the country’s national parks took a huge hit with 1,000 layoffs from the Trump administration (Chen, 2025).

Between temporary, seasonal, and permanent employees, national parks have around 20,000 employees total (USA Today). This huge loss was fought in courts, and it was decided on March 20th that they were authorized to be hired back on. Despite this, many are not coming back. It is not for lack of desire or love for their work, but the situation is too unpredictable for former employees to rely on (NPCA, 2025a).

The Trump administration originally justified this layoff by describing our national parks as a “frivolous expenditure that fails to align with American values” (The White House, 2025). While the federal government funds our national parks, it is not accurate to call them “frivolous,” and I would even say they go far enough to help define American values. The parks this past year welcomed over 331,863,000 people (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2025). This is a huge boon to the US economy as people are paying to get into the parks, and tourists come from all over the world. The parks not

only have tourists but also school and educational groups. The first-hand learning kids can get from an in-person national park guide is like nothing else.

The current park workers know they could get more money in another job, but choose to stay out of love despite the low pay. Cassidy Jones, NPCA’s Senior Visitation Program Manager, is a ranger who originally found her passion for nature as a kid growing up in Utah and has since found her passion in working in the national parks (NPCA, 2025b).

One of my best friends from elementary school has had a similar dream: to go to school in Utah because of the amazing natural scenery, study environmental science, and to become a park ranger. She wasn't doing it for the money, she was doing it for the love of the US parks but since the recent administration, she, like so many others, has since found it very difficult to have faith in the future of the parks being there or for her career to even be a possibility.

North America has a history of being protected, cultivated, and changed throughout

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time by the indigenous people living here, and now more than ever, it is important to have stewardship of our environment. The firing originally affected law enforcement, rangers, and even firefighters (USA Today).

These workers are essential in protecting our lands from all kinds of threats like pollution and forest fires. New mandates from the federal government say that despite parks having severe funding and staff issues, they still must remain open. If parks want to reduce hours or have closures, they need to be approved by the National Park Service's director and the Fish and Wildlife and Parks associate director (Wiley, 2025).

wouldn't be as incredible if there were litter everywhere or the risk of getting lost. Park staff educate, protect, and are a knowledgeable resource on American lands.

It is important to acknowledge the direction we are going and to do what we can as visitors and citizens to help protect our parks, along with the staff.

Despite the wave of firings being fought in courts, many park employees cannot withstand the blows the Trump administration is taking to them. Over 10% of national park employees are choosing to take the early outs offered (Repanshek, 2025). The heads of the Cultural and Natural Resources division of the parks services took up the offer, resulting in a huge loss of knowledge and experience (National Parks Traveler). It cannot be overstated how much passion, knowledge, and expertise are being lost due to the current administration. One of the things that makes our parks so special is the staff that takes care of visitors and the land. Walking through the Everglades or the Grand Canyon Table of Contents

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s k r a P y e s Jer

With the nearest National Park being over 250 miles away, it can be easy to overlook the Nature within New Jersey (Tung, 2024). However, New Jersey is filled with local wonders, and the importance of state parks when it comes to protecting local wildlife and increasing environmental awareness can not be overstated. Put together, NJ has over 452,000 acres of protected land, which is more than three times the size of the Redwood National Park (Nudd, 2024). This land is managed by the State Park Service, ensuring that both humans and wildlife can utilize the area for generations to come (NJ State Parks, 2025).

and longevity of natural resources.

The numbers are staggering, with there being over 2,100 native plant species and 450 vertebrate species (Pinelands Preserve Alliance, 2020).

There are five key climate zones in NJ that each have unique geographical characteristics: the mountainous North, city-filled Central, the warmest region in the Southwest, the Pine Barrens filled with porous soil, and, of course, the Coastal Zone along the Atlantic Ocean (Rutgers NJ Climate Overview, 2003). New Jersey has over 50 State Parks, allowing individuals to explore, educate, and enjoy all of these regions.

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A great place to start is with Cheesequake State Park. Lying in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems, “Cheesequake is the only park where the northern hardwood forest meets a southern pine barrens ecosystem at sea level offering birders and hikers a remarkable diversity of native flora and fauna in a healthy, natural environment” (NJDEP Cheesequake State Park, 2025).

Less than a 30-minute drive from campus, you can visit this any day of the week between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Like all State Parks, it costs $5 per vehicle to enter and is free to enter from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Within this park is Hooks Creek Lake, where people crab, fish, boat, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard.

Moving onto land, hikers can explore any of the five trails, which range in length and difficulty. The Interpretive Center offers a chance

to relax and learn about the wildlife and history of the park. If one day isn’t enough and you would like a nature getaway, you can reserve a campsite anytime from April 1st through October (NJDEP Cheesequake State Park, 2025).

It would be impossible to capture the diversity of New Jersey's terrain within one park. By sprinkling in trips to visit different regions, one can enhance their understanding of local ecosystems and connect with nature on a more regular basis. Beyond the state parks, there are county and township parks filled with hidden treasures. Buccleuch, Boyd, and Joyce Kilmer are just some of the parks found right here in New Brunswick (Middlesex County Find A Park, 2025). You do not need to fly or map out an entire vacation, rather, you can simply step outside and take a moment to notice your surroundings.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN Fun Are you searching for a thrilling escape out west? Look no further than Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado! This park truly has it all – from towering mountain peaks to meadows to glistening alpine lakes. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this 265,807-acre park (National Park Service, 2017).

There are so many activities to enjoy at this vast National Park, depending on the time of year you visit. The winter season is quite long – from October all the way to early June – with the first expected major snowfall to occur sometime in midOctober. Since this park is full of mountains (as the name suggests), the winter conditions vary along with the elevation. While some mountains are only 7,800 feet above sea level, the tallest ranges can be up to 14,000 feet! Most areas during the winter are expected to have snow-pack trails, however trails below 8,000 may only have a little snow, or be icy, wet, dry, or even muddy (National Park Service, 2017).

Think all is well when spring rolls around? Actually, March, April, and May are typically the snowiest months in this park. The long winter season allows visitors to truly take in what makes Colorado so unique. There are countless things to do, from sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.

Some of the cool animals you can see on your visit include snowshoe hares, coyotes, elk, and mule deer.

Or maybe you’re not a big fan of the cold? No worries, Rocky Mountain still has something for you! Summer season is from late May to mid-October and reveals luscious greenery throughout its many open meadows and beautiful forests. You can explore the ravishing Kawuneeche Valley by hiking along the Colorado River. There’s plenty of hiking, fishing, and scenic drives to be had during this time of year.

This park offers such a special and fun outlet to connect with nature and get to

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know the beauty American soil has to offer.

Unfortunately, the recent administration has made serious cuts to the people who work so hard to keep this park beautiful and safe for all to enjoy.

National Reports suggest that Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the hardest hit locations in the U.S. National Park Service. Other parks across the country, such as Florida’s Everglades and New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, are also losing valuable workers (Alvarez & Fitzpatrick, 2025).

It is beyond important that we support our National Park Service workers so that they can keep these amazing parks pristine and enjoyable for all. National parks and forests throughout the country help to enhance and maintain biodiversity in great swaths of land. They also help to protect ecosystem services, which are

nature's direct and indirect benefits to human well-being (Seebach & Busse, 2021). For example, due to the large amount of trees and other greenery, national parks are great for decreasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

National parks also provide people with more access to the land and help to boost sustainable recreation economies. People can help support their local park just by participating in the amazing outdoor activities they provide.

Rocky Mountain National Park is just one of many amazing National Parks throughout the United States that are deserving of our protection. One of the best ways for you to support this park is by taking a visit! Plan your next vacation at this truly wondrous park, and you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery, fantastic wildlife, and an incredible time.

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By: Evan DeAngelis

A hidden gem of Monmouth County, New Jersey’s Allaire State Park is a site for outdoor, historical, and public events that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. It is probably best known for its preserved historic iron smelting and processing town, Allaire Village. The Allaire village was previously known as the Howell Works, an early industrial ironworks operating under that name in the early 1800s. At that time, it was a thriving industrial community that produced large quantities of ‘pig iron’ and cast iron (NJDEP, n.d.).

The buildings, which remain standing in excellent condition to this day, include a general store, a blacksmith’s shop, a carpenter’s shop, the former manager’s house, the foreman’s quarters, a series of workers’ simple blockhouses, and a church. One of the workers' row house buildings now serves a new purpose, as the Allaire State Park’s Visitor Center and Museum (NJDEP, n.d.).

These buildings host exhibits on the Allaire historic bog iron industry, the Howell Works, and its owner, James P. Allaire.

These various examples provide an introduction to Allaire Village historic park and the wider area. The park’s visitor center is open throughout the year on a seasonal basis and for a myriad of special events. Also contained within the historic parks and other elements of the property is the Pine Creek Railroad, a narrowgauge train ride that was opened in 1953 as an example of American Steam’s Golden Age. It is now operated by the NJ Museum of Transportation. The most notable attraction in the park is a network of trails winding throughout the property (NJDEP, n.d.).

These trails cover a large portion of the vast area, providing opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders to enjoy the unique landscape. Several moderate hiking trails are accessible for regular day-to-day use throughout the area of the park and are close to the main parking area. The southern side of the park is approximately 800 acres of varying terrain and contains miles of unmarked trails in addition to four primary marked multi-use trails (NJDEP, n.d.).

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To its great credit, large areas of Allaire State Park have been left largely in their natural state.

The floodplain of the Manasquan River bisects the park and provides an excellent habitat for various plant species not usually found in the New Jersey Shore area. Over 200 species of wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants have been identified within the park, making it incredibly biodiverse. Despite its protected spaces, it still allows ample recreation opportunities (NJDEP, n.d.).

Deer hunting and trout fishing are both allowed on select parts of the park. There are 45 tent and trailer sites on site, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are also conveniently within walking distance. There is a mobile sanitary station open from April 15 through to October 15.

Campsites, in general, are open from April 1 until December 15 each year (NJDEP, n.d.).

All in all, the park is truly a perfect balance of anything a traveler could want, with a selection of historic, natural, and recreational attractions set within a unique and beautiful environment.

The rich history of the area and the interactive living history experiences it offers stand out in the area, creating fun and engaging opportunities for visitors and locals to enjoy access to this important piece of New Jersey’s parkland. It is a hidden gem and a well in time, often overlooked, but could stand to benefit surrounding communities, as well as the state of New Jersey at large.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Katie Lynch, Bridging Science and Sovereignty

By Emily Yang Photo Provided by Katie Lynch

Meet Katie Lynch, a trailblazing Ph.D. student in Health Infrastructures & Learning Systems at the University of Michigan Medical School and a recent graduate of Rutgers University–New Brunswick, where she earned her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering in 2024. Katie, who is Citizen Band Potawatomi and Irish, brings a powerful voice to the intersection of science, advocacy, and cultural identity.

“My culture means everything to me,” Katie said in an interview. “It not only grounds me and reminds me where I come from, but it also frames my research and advocacy work.” Raised far from her ancestral homelands in coastal New Jersey, Katie has spent much of her life reconnecting with her roots through language, storytelling, and community building. Now, as a graduate student studying on her ancestral lands in Michigan, her work is deeply rooted in both science and Indigenous knowledge systems.

As a Potawatomi woman, Katie’s understanding of science is inseparable from her cultural teachings. “Relationality constitutes Indigenous worlds, and our science is based in love, the highest form of rigor,” she explained. “Our health as humans is inextricably linked to the health of the land.” These beliefs have shaped Katie’s approach to research, where she prioritizes strengths-based methodologies that celebrate the resilience, joy, and cultural endurance of Native communities rather than framing them solely in terms of deficits or health disparities.

Katie’s journey in STEM has not been without its challenges. “I

Founder of “Stars and Sweetgrass” a handmade, beaded jewelry company @starsandsweetgrass on Instagram

remember the first time I heard my engineering professor say, ‘Happy Columbus Day’ as he began class in the morning,” she recalled. “And I remember the stares I got the first time I wore my traditional beaded jewelry to class.” These experiences of isolation and misunderstanding were all too common throughout her undergraduate years at Rutgers.

Despite these challenges, Katie chose resistance through action. She worked tirelessly to establish Indigenous visibility on campus. “In 2023, I convinced the School of Engineering to publish a land acknowledgment on their website and became the first Native student in Rutgers history to be recognized by the Udall Foundation,” she shared. She also co-founded RU Indigenous, a student organization dedicated to uplifting Native voices and creating a safe and supportive space for Indigenous students at Rutgers. “That small but mighty community has grounded me throughout my education… I wanted to build the right ecosystem for others to be able to grow roots.”

Some jewelry hand-beaded by Katie!

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Katie’s advocacy is not just institutional, it’s deeply personal. At Michigan, she finds renewed meaning in her cultural connection through community events, virtual tribal programs, and time spent walking the land of her ancestors. “I walk through campus every day knowing that this land sustained my ancestors and shaped their ways of knowing and food systems,” she said. As part of the Native American Student Association, she has found joy and belonging through events like the annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow and community frybread gatherings.

She also remains connected to her Potawatomi roots through digital networks, language learning, and beading circles. Last year, she traveled to Oklahoma for the Citizen Potawatomi Family Gathering, where she visited lands once owned by her family. “I know that no one could possibly love that land as much as we do,” she said.

Photo Provided by Katie Lynch

Katie is vocal about the need for institutions to do more than offer symbolic gestures. “Land acknowledgments mean nothing if the university refuses to acknowledge the ongoing economic and institutional benefits it receives from stolen land,” she stated, calling upon Rutgers and other land-grant institutions to take tangible steps toward reparative justice. “To Rutgers: Put your money where your mouth is. Fund Native students. Stop punishing those who speak out. Support DEIA beyond empty words.”

Katie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of

Photo Provided by Katie Lynch

representation and community. Her journey underscores the urgent need to uplift diverse voices in STEM fields, where Indigenous knowledge, cultural perspective, and lived experience enrich research, challenge colonial frameworks, and offer holistic, landbased understandings of health and science.

Her experience also highlights a broader imperative: colleges and universities must do more to create inclusive environments where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Diversity isn’t just about numbers, it’s about belonging. It's about making space for Indigenous students to thrive, not just survive.

As Katie so powerfully reminds us, “These institutions were never built for us… But we will always have each other. We keep ourselves safe. We keep ourselves strong. No one is going to save us but us.”

Supporting students like Katie is not only about equity, it’s about building a future where innovation is informed by empathy, culture, and the interconnectedness of all our relations.

If you want to read the full interview, click the link here!

FULL INTERVIEW HERE

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park By: Caleigh Pokallus

Home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Hawai’i National Park is a can't miss park when on the island of Hawaii. Established in 1916, this park has been a ‘hot spot’ for activity, and not just for the volcanoes that reside here. The unpredictable terrain in this park starts at sea level and climbs to just about 13,000 feet while entering and exiting six of Earth's climate zones. This park is a marvel of nature with the differing environments and landscapes that you can find close together. Not only are there volcanoes here, but many other natural wonders such as lava fields, lava tubes and craters, coastlines of lava rock and ocean, Hawaiian cultural landmarks, and so many more unique features (Go Hawaii, n.d.). Because of the rich cultural heritage and one-of-a-kind location, this national park offers much more than many other parks in alternative parts of the USA. Due to the beauty and wonder of this natural landmark, over one million people visit this park each year, the highest number recorded in the last decade being just over two million in 2017 (Camper Champ, n.d.).

The sheer size allows there to be a vast amount of must-see attractions when visiting. How are you supposed to know where to go? The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. No matter when you find yourself here, there is always time to explore. The Kilauea visitor center is open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm every day. Here, there are rangers who take guests on guided tours, and they offer a lot of information, such as hiking trails, the most recent eruptions, and maps of the park (National Park Service).

One highlight that this park has to offer is the Thurston Lava Tube. Getting here is easy; it's only a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, and what you see is more than worth the commute (Love Big Island, 2025). At night, the cave is left open for the daring people who want to experience this marvel in the dark.

Because of the copious amounts of adventure and beauty located at the heart of Hawaii in this park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a non-negotiable destination when visiting the Hawaiian islands.

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By Lindsey Wiessner Though it was many years ago, I still have a clear memory of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains as a child.

With its beautiful landscapes and diverse set of flora and fauna, it is not difficult to understand why this National Park receives over 10 million visitors every year (SmokeyMountains.com, 2023). The park sits right between North Carolina and Tennessee, and its mountains reach heights of almost seven thousand feet (SmokeyMountains.com, 2023). This mountain range gets its name from its prominent mist, resulting in a smokey haze that covers the mountaintops(SmokeyMountains.co m 2023). That haze, more so than its

many incredible trails and services, has always been what I found to be most compelling about the Great Smoky Mountains.

For those who want to visit, the Great Smoky Mountains offers trail options for anyone, from an experienced backpacker to a casual hiker. The park includes several overnight hiking trails with a variety of difficulty (Diaz, 2023). The Shining Rock Mountain hike mainly runs through meadows and has a distance of about 10 miles meaning that some strong hikers can choose to make it a day hike (Diaz, 2023). For someone interested in a more challenging hike, the route from the Alum Cave Trail up Mount LeConte could be a good option (Diaz, 2023). At a similar distance of 11 miles, the trail has about 3000 feet in elevation gain (Diaz, 2023). A short detour to Myrtle Point (adding about 0.8 miles to the trip) can provide a great spot to see the sunrise, sunset, or even just a scenic

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daytime view (Diaz, 2023).

If you are looking for a longer adventure, the route from Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road could be for you! This trail, which runs along the larger Appalachian Trail, spans about 18.7 miles and has about 3000 feet of elevation gain (Diaz, 2023). With sites ranging from log cabins to picturesque valleys, this trail is a great option for someone who has a few days to spend in this beautiful park (Diaz, 2023). This is only one of the many overnight hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, and someone looking for a fun camping or backpacking experience should definitely consider a visit to this park.

If long hikes aren’t your thing, the park has a ton of shorter day hikes, like the one-mile trip up and down the Look Rock Tower (SmokeyMountains.com, 2023).

This hike is also noted as being child-friendly and only moderately difficult, making it perfect for families (SmokeyMountains.com, 2023). The park also has many hikes that pass through waterfalls and other impressive sites. You can see sights like the Mouse Creek Falls on a relatively short 4.2-mile hike or

the incredible 80-foot high Laurel Falls on a shorter 2.6-mile hike (Diaz, 2023b). The Laurel Falls was one of my most memorable experiences on my visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also consider coming to these locations in the winter to see the falls when they are icy (Diaz, 2023b).

On a trip to this park, you can also consider visiting some local attractions outside of the park, like Dollywood or the Gatlinburg downtown area (SmokeyMountains.com 2023).

There is no shortage of experiences right around the corner in the Great Smoky Mountains, from trails to scenic views to nearby attractions, which ensures that visitors are guaranteed to find something that they enjoy. If you’re interested in getting out into nature and having some fun, the Great Smoky Mountains might be the perfect place to visit.

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Works Cited

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Joshua Trees—Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/jtrees.htm Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA

Exploring Shenandoah National Park “Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” 2018. Nps.gov. 2018. https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/historyculture/ccc.htm.

“First Settlers of the Shenandoah Valley.” 2025. Firstsettlersshenandoahvalley.com. 2025. http://firstsettlersshenandoahvalley.com/history.html#:~:text=By%20the%20early%201700's%2C%20when,laid%20claim %20to%20the%20land.

“Segregation and Desegregation at Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” 2018. Nps.gov. 2018. https://www.nps.gov/articles/segregation-and-desegregation-at-shenandoah.htm.

“Shenandoah National Park History - Shenandoah National Park Trust.” 2020. Shenandoah National Park Trust - Official Philanthropic Partner of the National Park Service. November 21, 2020. https://www.snptrust.org/about-us/missionhistory/shenandoahhistory/#:~:text=Shenandoah%20National%20Park%20is%20also,made%20these%20mountains%20their%20homes..

Staff, National Geographic. 2019. “Everything to Know about Shenandoah National Park.” Travel. September 3, 2019. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/article/shenandoah-national-park.

Photos "... ate their meals off of a variety of imported and domestic ceramics" (n.d.).National Parks Service.

Segregated area labeled in the park (n.d.).National Parks Service.

Shenandoah National Park has stunning views and near endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. (n.d.). Appalachian Mountain Club.

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National Park Staff Cuts

Chen, E. (2025, February 26). The National Park Service is grappling with massive layoffs. What you should know. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/02/25/national-park-service-layoffswhat-to-know/80234977007/ National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). (2025a, March 20). Parks Group welcomes reinstatement of Probationary Park staff but warns of ongoing National Park Staffing Crisis. National Parks Conservation Association. http://www.npca.org/articles/7538-parks-group-welcomes-reinstatement-of-probationary-park-staff-but-warnsof#:~:text=And%20things%20will%20get%20worse,of%20Americans%20visit%20every%20year National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). (2025b, March 20). The irreplaceable value of National Park Service Staff. National Parks Conservation Association. http://www.npca.org/articles/6581-the-irreplaceable-value-of-nationalpark-service-staff Repanshek, K. (2025, April 11). Update: More than 10 percent of National Park Service Workforce has left. UPDATE | More Than 10 Percent Of National Park Service Workforce Has Left. http://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/04/more-10-percent-national-park-service-workforce-has-left U.S. Department of the Interior. (2025). Stats report viewer. National Parks Service. https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/National Reports/Annual Summary Report (1904 - Last Calendar Year) The United States Government. (2025, February 20). Fact sheet: President Donald J. Trump reduces the federal bureaucracy. The White House. http://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trumpreduces-the-federal-bureaucracy/ Wiley, H. (2025, April 6). Trump administration orders national Parks to remain open amid staffing shortages. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-06/trump-administration-orders-national-parks-toremain-open

Photo An estimated 12.5 percent of the National Park Service workforce has left under Trump administration early-out offers (2025). Rebecca Latson. National Parks Traveler.

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The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts: New Jersey Parks Nudd, A. (2024, May 15). List of the U.S. National Parks by Size. Dirt In My Shoes. https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/listof-us-national-parks-by-size/ Official site of the State of New Jersey. NJDEP | Cheesequake State Park | New Jersey State Park Service. (2025, April 7). https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequakestatepark.html Official site of the State of New Jersey. NJDEP | New Jersey State Park Service. (2025, March 25). https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/ Pinelands Preservation Alliance. (2020, April 2). New Jersey Endangered and Threatened Plant Protection Act - protecting the new jersey pinelands and Pine Barrens: Pinelands preservation alliance. Protecting the New Jersey Pinelands and Pine Barrens | Pinelands Preservation Alliance - Protecting the New Jersey Pinelands and Pine Barrens. https://pinelandsalliance.org/new-jersey-endangered-and-threatened-plant-protection-act/ Rutgers University. (2003). The Climate of New Jersey. New Jersey Climate Overview. https://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim_v1/njclimoverview.html Tung, T. (2024, June 27). US National Parks Map. National Parks. https://www.national-park.com/us-national-parksmap/ Image Citation: Rutgers University. (2003). The Climate of New Jersey. New Jersey Climate Overview. https://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim_v1/njclimoverview.html

Rocky Mountain Fun ‌ lvarez, A., & Fitzpatrick, A. (2025, March 5). Rocky Mountain National Park among hardest hit by firings. Axios; Axios A Denver. https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/05/rocky-mountain-national-park-colorado-layoffs-trump ‌National Park Service. (2017). Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service). Nps.gov; National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Seebach, J., & Busse, B. (2021, May 7). 4 Reasons to Value US National Forests [Review of 4 Reasons to Value US National Forests]. Pew Research. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2021/05/07/4-reasons-tovalue-us-national-forests Photo: Averill, G. (2020). The Ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide [Review of The Ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide]. https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/national-parks/rocky-mountain-nationalpark-travel-guide/

Allaire State Park, a Well in the Garden of Time Official site of the State of New Jersey. NJDEP | Allaire State Park | New Jersey State Park Service. (n.d.). https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/allairestatepark.html

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Love Big Island. (2025, February 6). Guide for the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Top attractions and things to do. https://www.lovebigisland.com/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/ Go Hawaii. (n.d.). Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-bigisland/regions/kau/volcanoes-national-park U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.-a). Volcanoes. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/volcanoes.htm Camper Champ. (n.d.). Volcanoes National Park statistics. https://camperchamp.com/usa/nationalparks/statistics/volcanoes/

The Great Smoky Mountains Diaz, J. (2023, July 21). Best 6 overnight hikes in the Smoky Mountains. smokymountains.com. https://smokymountains.com/park/blog/6-overnight-hikes-smoky-mountains Diaz, J. (2023b, August 7). Top 9 waterfalls to visit in the Smoky Mountains … and then some. smokymountains.com. https://smokymountains.com/park/blog/top-9-waterfalls-smoky-mountains.

SmokyMountains.com. (2023). About National Park. smokymountains.com. https://smokymountains.com/park

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