Beyond the Scenery

PARK NEWS

It’s for the birds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               The annual Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival is May 8th through the 10th in Colorado. Some of the events take place in Mesa Verde National Park, and Park Service rangers give talks or lead tours in other venues, including nearby Yucca House National Monument.       

 

        On the other side of the country is the Acadia Birding Festival, running May 28-31. Maine’s Acadia National Park has several prime birdwatching spots, and during this event, you can take a guided puffin cruise and join walks led by birding experts.

 

 

Savoring and saving the carnivores

         A short article in Smithsonian Magazine’s April/May issue highlights the rare Cascade red fox, found only in that mountain range. The piece focuses on their presence in Washington State’s Mount Rainier National Park. The photos are fantastic, especially those of the fuzzy little ones (awwww…)!

Another free day in the parks

         Memorial Day, this year on May 25, is when we honor those who’ve given their lives in the service of our country, and a fee-free day in any of the 433 Park Service sites that usually charge admission.

Grand news

         If you remember, last year’s Dragon Bravo Fire devastated the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The lodge, cabins, and other housing were destroyed, and roads, trails, wildlife, and natural elements severely impacted. The good news is that the North Rim will reopen to the public on Friday, May 15 on a limited, day use only basis. Services such as potable water, fuel, lodging, and some other visitor services won’t be available, though.

 

On the path to America’s 250^th birthday

 

         Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving will be held on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall Sunday, May 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is a chance for Americans to gather in praising God and thanking Him for all that God has done for the U.S. throughout our history, and to Him to continue us with His favor, in speech, song, and storytelling. On its webpage, you’re asked to RSVP to receive a ticket or sign up to volunteer and pray leading up to the event.

 

MORE NEW BOOKS!

         From Pelican Publishing Group, two new fiction titles out this month:

• Scorched Dreams by Tracy Wainwright, on May 22 (#6 in the Fruit of the Spirit series)
• Killing Spring, a suspense novel by Anita Klumpers, on May 29
      

THE BIRDS OF THE AIR   

“Behold the birds of the air: they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?...Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we be clothed?’…for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be provided to you” (Matthew 6:26, 31-33).