America’s national parks are experiencing record crowds — and some nature enthusiasts worry about what that means for the protected land. Is the sheer amount of people taking away the rustic experience these parks offer?
This hour, we explore the issue. We talk with environmental journalist Jim Robbins and we hear from park officials in Zion National Park in Utah and Acadia National Park in Maine.
Have you visited a national park recently? What was your experience?
And later, Connecticut might not have majestic mountains or awe-inspiring canyons, but it is a unique place for bird watching enthusiasts. We learn more about the birds that pass our shores from long-time bird watcher Greg Hanisek.
GUESTS:
- Jim Robbins - Veteran journalist based in Helena, Montana, writes on environment and science for The New York Times and Yale Environment 360, author of How A Surge in Visitors Is Overwhelming America’s National Parks
- Alyssa Baltrus - Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Zion National Park
- Christie Anastasia - Public Affairs Specialist at Acadia National Park
- Greg Hanisek - Long time bird watcher, Editor of The Connecticut Warbler
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Chion Wolf contributed to this show.