Latest news with #NationalPark
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Jasper businesses face slower peak tourism season 1 year after wildfire
This week marks one year since a wind-whipped wildfire scorched the mountain town of Jasper. This summer, tourism is bouncing back for the National as Natasha Riebe reports, it's not quite as busy as it was before the disaster.
Channel 4
3 days ago
- Sport
- Channel 4
Sport
5m Tonight, Wembley stadium is hosting a rare heavyweight boxing battle where the winner will hold all four world title belts. 3 Jul 2025 3m Diogo Jota: Liverpool and Portugal footballer dies in car crash He was 28 and the father of three young children – and had got married just two weeks ago. 29 May 2025 2m Man, 53, charged over Liverpool parade incident Prosecutors have charged a man after a car collided with crowds celebrating Liverpool's league title. 22 Apr 2025 Eubank v Benn: Family rivalry reignited in the boxing ring Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet this Saturday night in north London, in what is set to be the fight of the year. This is a bout surrounded by controversy and history, and could result with one career coming to an end. 13 Apr 2025 National Park bosses warn that funding cuts threaten conservation The message from the National Park bosses that we spoke to is quite clear: they cannot keep going with the job which is required of them by law, and cannot fulfil their duties, unless we rethink the way they are financed. 1 Apr 2025 3m Settlement agreed in Celtic Boys Club sex abuse cases For young boys growing up in the green and white half of Glasgow, it offered a route to superstardom – a chance to realise the dream of playing football for Celtic. But Celtic Boys Club harboured a dark secret. 22 Feb 2025 4m England-Afghanistan cricket match to go ahead despite calls for boycott England's next game in the tournament is against Afghanistan on Wednesday in Lahore. Some MPs and human rights groups say the team should boycott the match because of the Taliban's clampdown on women's rights, which has seen the Afghan women's cricket team forced into exile. 20 Feb 2025 2m Rubiales: Spain's former football chief guilty of sexual assault The former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the world cup victory celebrations. 19 Feb 2025 'Gender apartheid' in cricket: Calls to boycott the Afghan team The lead up to Cricket's ICC Champions Trophy has been overshadowed by controversy over the inclusion of Afghanistan, due to the lack of rights for women under Taliban rule. 3 Feb 2025 2m Spain's Hermoso gives evidence in Rubiales sexual assault case Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has told a court in Madrid that an unwanted kiss from the former Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales 'tainted one of the happiest days' of her life.
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Scientists Just Discovered a New Natural Wonder at Yellowstone National Park—What to Know
A brand-new discovery in a popular national park has 'explosive' beginnings. Geologists in Yellowstone National Park recently discovered a new thermal pool, likely formed by a hydrothermal explosion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The stunning crater, which has pale blue water and is surrounded by rocks covered in light-gray sandy mud, was discovered during routine maintenance of temperature logging stations in the area. Scientists said the new feature appeared to have formed over the course of multiple small explosions and likely started to develop on Christmas Day 2024 with "further activity" continuing in mid-to-late January and early February. The pool sits at about 13 feet across with the water measured at a steamy 109 degrees Fahrenheit. A new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. 'The latest new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin—perhaps the most dynamic area in Yellowstone National Park—demonstrates the spectrum of ways in which hydrothermal features evolve," according to the USGS. "Some form during brief and violent episodes of change. Others may take shape far more gradually, like the new feature... that seems to have begun taking shape on Christmas 2024." High-resolution satellite images show the development of the new thermal pool starting in December 2024 before growing into a small depression by early January and then finally revealing itself as fully-formed by Feb. 13. 'The rocks and white material (silica mud) surrounding the pool were probably ejected as the feature formed,' the report revealed. Hydrothermal explosions are somewhat common throughout Yellowstone National Park, the USGS noted. In fact, the Biscuit Basin trail head is still closed following an explosion that occurred there in July 2024. The area sits near the popular tourist destination, Old Faithful. This most recent hydrothermal explosion resulted in a new natural wonder, but in some cases, the explosions can be deadly. In El Salvador, an explosion in 1990 resulted in more than 20 combined deaths and injuries, according to a report from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. More than 4.74 million people visited Yellowstone National Park in 2024, according to the National Park Service, a 44% increase compared to the total number of visitors in 2022. There's no one good time to visit the park, but travelers who go in the warmer months (typically from mid-April to the end of October) will find amazing camping and hiking with most of the park's roads open. Travelers who head to the park in the winter will find fewer crowds and plenty of snowy adventures, including the chance to traverse the park on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Reuters
Nairobi like a local
Editorial Note: City Memo will be taking a short break next week. We'll return on Saturday, August 2. In the meantime, you can check out our full archive here. Welcome to Nairobi, or as locals like to call it, 'The Green City under the Sun.' I moved to Nairobi in August 2021 to report on the region, most recently as the East Africa bureau chief for Reuters. Then, the Kenyan capital was wet, cold and under a strictly enforced COVID-19 curfew. And yet, by the time the weekend rolled around, I knew I wanted to live here for as long as possible. After all, where else in the world can you start your day with a forest walk along caves and waterfalls, make a pit stop to feed giraffes or pet baby elephants, and enjoy a sunset while overlooking a national park? You read that right: Nairobi has its own national park, where you can watch a family of hippos cool off at a watering hole and lions hunt for their next kill against the backdrop of the city's dramatic skyline. Kenya's capital gets its name from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi or "cool waters," a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. The garbage-clogged river has seen better days, but the city lives up to its nickname — it is green and sunny most of the year, save for its two annual monsoons. Here's my guide on how to get the most out of Nairobi like a local: Getting around: Nairobi has many things to boast about, but an efficient public transport system is not one of them. The easiest way to get around is by Uber or Bolt — cab rides start at around 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.50). If you are pressed for time or money, you can book a motorcycle taxi (known as a "boda"), but road accidents are common; wear a helmet. What to read and watch: The most famous book and film set in Kenya is probably "Out of Africa," but it's safe to say that Danish author Karen Blixen's 1937 memoir is a product of its time. For a more local perspective, pick up a copy of "The Perfect Nine," a short epic in verse that tells the story of the Kikuyu people, Kenya's largest tribe. Its celebrated author, the late Ngugi wa Thiong'o, who died this year, wrote books in his native Gikuyu language and translated them himself into English. For a look at contemporary Kenya, watch "Nairobi Half Life" — the 2012 film is a gripping take on the hustle culture that defines life for so many in Kenya's capital. "Britain's Gulag," by Caroline Elkins, meanwhile, turns a spotlight on Kenyan detention camps run by the British colonial government. It's not for the faint-hearted, but is a triumph of scholarship. What to eat and drink: Barbecued meat is a Kenyan speciality, and for the carnivores among us, it would be amiss to leave Nairobi without sampling nyama choma — a traditional staple usually involving barbecued goat or beef. Wash it down with a Kenyan beer or try a dawa ("medicine" in Swahili) cocktail made with vodka, lime and honey. Not a meat eater? Nestled deep inside Nairobi's lush Karen neighbourhood, Cultiva is a farm-to-table restaurant with a wide range of options for all diet preferences. If you do eat meat, don't miss the Wagyu beef burger; it's the best I have ever had. Beit e Selam in the busy Westlands district, meanwhile, serves up a modern take on African cuisine — it's a cosy spot for dinner, with the most talented bartenders in Nairobi. I always begin with a Mombasa cocktail — a Kenyan spin on the Manhattan — before moving on to corn ribs and an ostrich Reuben. Side note: All meat sold in Kenya is farmed, and game meat is banned in the country. Do not leave without doing this: Between a national park, wildlife sanctuaries and two forests, visitors to Nairobi are faced with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to spending time in nature. And that's before one considers nearby getaways such as the tea estates in Tigoni, Lake Naivasha or Amboseli National Park, famed for its elephants, flamingos and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here's how to make the most of it in 36 hours: Start with an early morning safari in Nairobi National Park followed by a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (advance bookings are essential). From there, head over to Cultiva for lunch and finish with a visit to the Giraffe Centre to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes. Kick off your second day with a walk through Karura Forest — home to antelopes, monkeys, caves and waterfalls — and reward yourself for your efforts with brunch at the River Cafe, an al fresco restaurant tucked inside the forest. Souvenirs: Kenya's woodwork, brass and leather craftsmanship is second to none. The best way to find these souvenirs is either on Instagram, where brass jewellery brands like We Are NBO and Adele Dejak have a devoted following, or through pop-up markets like Pop Up and Chill and the Kenyan Designer Collective that happen every few weeks. Or you can head over to The Urban Lifestyle, House of Treasures, African Lifestyle Hub or Tribal Gallery (appointments recommended) for a tightly curated selection of African crafts including homeware, stationery, apparel and even furniture. And of course, don't forget the coffee — I favour the dark roast from Spring Valley Coffee, which also makes for a great gift for friends and family back home. Being mindful: Nairobi has come a long way since it earned the unfortunate moniker "Nairobbery" — so called because of the crime rate — but it is still advisable to avoid walking alone or in isolated areas, especially after dark. The weather can be capricious, so make sure you layer up, since temperatures can dip dramatically in the evenings. Finally, while haggling is expected in some quarters in Kenya, know a bargain when you see it and tip well for good service. Kenyans tend to go out of their way to make visitors' stays memorable and "a little something for lunch" as they call it is always welcome. CITY MEMO DATA POINTS Population: Five million. Price of a cup of coffee: 230 shillings ($1.80) for a cappuccino at Tin Roof Cafe in Karen. Price of a scoop of ice cream: 300 shillings ($2.30) for a scoop at Non Solo Gelato. I recommend the black cherry flavour. Great place to see a sunset: Unseen Nairobi, a rooftop cinema, restaurant and bar, that serves up a delicious tamarind margarita. Or stay at the Emara Ole Sereni hotel, which borders Nairobi National Park and has a rooftop pool with a bar. Best way to spend a Sunday evening: Grab a drink or dine at Bamba, which hosts musicians from across Africa every weekend. Souvenirs for little ones: Knitted animal toys from Kenana Knitters. Each toy bears the name of the woman who made it.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Word from the Smokies: Park emerges as research hub for understudied organisms
When visitors come to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they have access to a wealth of knowledge highlighting the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems found in this special place. Among them are lichens — a lesser-known group of species whose members were largely undiscovered as recently as two decades ago. Since then, the Smokies have grown into a hub of lichen discovery and documentation, with the number of species in the park nearly tripling from 340 to 965. Created by a mutually beneficial relationship between fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria, lichens are complex organisms, with no two being exactly the same. The fungus makes up the primary lichen structure that grows on trees, rocks, or the ground. The secondary organism, either algae or cyanobacteria, provides food for the fungus via photosynthesis, allowing the lichen to grow. With their unique composition, lichens can display a wide variety of forms and colors. Yet few scientists study them. James Lendemer, a leading lichenologist and coauthor of "Field Guide to the Lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park" who serves as curator of botany at the New York State Museum, pointed out that research often focuses on larger, more noticeable species. 'All these little things are super diverse, and we know comparatively little about them,' he explained. 'The lichens are really unusual because they're visually large enough and conspicuous enough that the average person can see them. They are one of the last frontiers of things we can study that are visible to the naked eye, and yet, they are poorly documented.' Although more research is still needed to fully understand the roles lichens play in the environment, data collected so far shows that they fulfill crucial roles within their respective ecosystems. In fact, they can do a little bit of everything. One of lichens' most important functions is their role in sequestering and cycling nitrogen, a vital nutrient for all manner of living things. Lichens absorb and hold nitrogen while they are alive, and some species fix it into a form other organisms can use. When lichens die, they fall to the ground and rot, releasing nitrogen that is sent back into the atmosphere or absorbed by other living things. Additionally, lichens help regulate temperature and humidity by soaking up any water near them and then slowly releasing it back into the environment. They can also be very sensitive and susceptible to certain conditions such as the presence of air pollution, which makes them early indicators of many environmental issues. Lichens also serve a more individualized purpose, with animals using them for nourishment, nesting material, and even housing. Only within the last two decades has lichen research grown significantly, due largely to the work of a few dedicated lichenologists. One of these researchers, Erin Tripp, associate professor and curator of botany at the University of Colorado Boulder, pointed to one of the main reasons lichens were understudied: 'The answer is, in my opinion, a lack of literature.' For a long time, there were very few resources available for studying lichens. In fact, almost no identification keys or field guides existed. Lichenologists often had no choice but to comb through old scientific papers, looking for clues to identify the specimen before them. Little else could provide them with the information they needed. Today this is often still the case, though some newer pieces of literature are making identification easier in a few specific regions. These include "Field Guide to the Lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park" by Tripp and Lendemer, as well as "Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region," which has two volumes, and "Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest." The work done by lichenologists like Lendemer and Tripp has helped to pave the way for future research, ensuring more information is available and that pathways for this field of study are not as limited as they once were. This new accessibility is essential in helping others learn about lichens and understand the important roles that these species play in the ecosystem. Despite long-standing obstacles to research and documentation, lichens are surprisingly easy to research — often requiring nothing more than a small sample dried and placed in a plastic bag. But why has the Smokies become such a hotspot for studying lichens? The answer lies both in the park's natural diversity of lichen species and the efforts of Discover Life in America, an official partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. DLiA is best known for coordinating the Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, which aims to document every species in the park through the work of scientists and contributions from park visitors. Since DLiA's inception in 1998, the number of species recorded in the park has more than doubled from 10,363 to 22,744. 'The Smokies region is a temperate rainforest with an abundance of trees and geological diversity,' said Will Kuhn, director of science and research for DLiA. 'We're in lichen heaven! The age of the Great Smoky Mountains is probably also a big contributor, giving evolution plenty of time to work its millennia-spanning magic on lichens here.' The park 'functions as a big refuge for a lot of species,' Lendemer said. Over the years, many forest ecosystems in North America have been disrupted and altered — primarily due to human activity — disturbing the areas where lichens would otherwise thrive. However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands out as an area with some of the largest and most intact forests in the eastern United States. Even the heavy logging that took place in the early 1900s wasn't as destructive as the disruption other regions suffered, because the mountains' rugged terrain kept logging companies from reaching certain stands of trees. This history, combined with the high level of protection that this park receives today, allows lichens to flourish, and the park's vast size and elevation gradient offer a wide variety of habitats and environments, making it an ideal place for studying these previously overlooked organisms. In the years to come, these discoveries are only expected to continue. 'We're still in the phase of biodiversity discoveries with lichens that we have been long past with other groups,' said Tripp. 'It has taken us a little bit longer to create momentum, but we're coming around. It's a glorious time to be thinking about these organisms and to learn a lot more about how incredibly diverse they are even on just an individual level.' Help scientists like Tripp and Lendemer learn more about biodiversity in the Smokies by logging your observations using the iNaturalist app. Find out how at Early is a writing intern for the 29,000-member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Word from the Smokies: 'Lichen heaven' and understudied organisms Solve the daily Crossword
