National Parks
How the Great American Outdoors Act Improved Public Lands
The 2020 federal law has helped fund park maintenance projects and improve access to public lands.
9 Public Land Destinations to Visit This Black History Month
These national monuments, parks, and sites honor and preserve Black history in America.
A Hurricane in Death Valley
The heavy rain brought by a rare West Coast hurricane could have long-lasting impacts on this iconic American landscape.
Improving Transit Access to Parks and Trails
Too often, national parks and other recreational spaces in the United States are difficult or impossible to access without a car. Some parks are working to change that.
Public Lands in the United States, Part Two: The Conservation Turn and ‘America’s Best Idea’
As Western expansion reached its geographic terminus, the U.S. government began tightening rules around land use and designating protected areas such as national parks and wilderness areas, often displacing local Native Americans in favor of a Wester
San Francisco’s Tunnel Tops Gets Family-Oriented Expansion
Unlike its flashier, selfie-friendly neighbor, the new Outpost Meadow is designed to provide comfortable space for locals.
Overcrowding at Yosemite National Park
Long lines of cars have been trying to enter the park, with many stuck in traffic for hours and vehicles parked illegally in traffic lanes, on grass, and between rocks.
Public Lands in the United States, Part One: “Redeemed From Wilderness”
This is part one in a blog series examining the history of public lands in the United States and their shifting role in the American psyche.
New National Monument Proposed South of Joshua Tree
The 700,000 acre monument would protect threatened species and important historic and cultural sites.
Parking Fees Approved for Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Visitors to the nation’s busiest national park will soon have to pay to park under a plan announced today by park officials.
America's Most Popular National Park Could Start Charging for Parking
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most visited and one of only a handful with no admission fee, could institute a parking fee to pay for much-needed maintenance.
L.A. Wildlife Crossing To Break Ground This Spring
The planned wildlife bridge spanning an eight-lane freeway will be the world's largest and most ambitious project of its kind.
The 15 Most Popular National Parks
America is home to 63 wonderful national parks. Find out which ones had the most visitors in 2020.
Exploring the Outdoors in a Socially and Environmentally Responsible Manner
To travel ethically, visitors to national parks need to be more mindful and better understand the history of the parks and their impacts on these spaces and surrounding communities.
How the National Park Service Uses GIS
A new book demonstrates how the National Park Service uses GIS technology to meet its mission and showcases a selection of maps used for effectively managing national parks.
Parks Overwhelmed by Record Numbers of Visitors
Already understaffed and underfunded, the agencies that manage state and national parks are struggling to keep up with the spike in demand for outdoor recreation over the past year.
Return of the National Parks
After more than a year of COVID-19-related restrictions and limited travel, rising attendance figures across national parks show Americans are eager to explore the great outdoors.
Opinion: We're Loving Our National Parks to Death
A reservation system could help the struggling national parks system manage crowds and protect our public lands from overuse, according to this article.
Avoiding Crowds at National Parks
With the pandemic and associated restrictions for a long year, people want to get outside more than ever. National parks are popular destinations and some are getting plenty of visitors, but there are ways to avoid the crowds.
History of Trailblazing Women Celebrated at National Parks
Learn about ten national parks that preserve and share the stories of women whose vision, tenacity, and resilience helped them to change history forever.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
