The Secret Lives of Parks

This year’s historic fledging of a peregrine falcon at Harpers Ferry ― the first in more than 70 years ― is just the latest chapter in the once-endangered species’ recovery. Host Todd Christopher takes a closer look at how raptor monitoring and reintroduction programs in the parks are making a difference for birds of prey including peregrines and critically endangered California condors. Guests include Mia Parsons, Chief of Resources Management at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Rolf Gubler, Biologist at Shenandoah National Park, and Wildlife Biologist Gavin Emmons & Condor Program Manager Alacia Welch at Pinnacles National Park. Learn more about the Endangered Species Act and the endangered plants and animals that call national parks home at esa.npca.org. Original theme music by Chad FischerAudio clips courtesy of the National Park Service and Harpers Ferry Park Association The Secret Lives of Parks is brought to you by: Todd Christopher – Producer & HostJennifer Errick – Producer & HostBev Stanton – Online ProducerIsmael Gama, Jr. – Creative Content Specialist The Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

At Grand Canyon National Park, explorers discovered a trove of lifelike bat fossils that provide a genetic record spanning 30,000 years. Experts reflect on why these particular remains are so rare and special, and how the National Park Service has spent years documenting and learning from the ancient life that surrounds us in our parks. Host Jennifer Errick explores the issue with guests Shawn Thomas, volunteer caver and Subterranean Team Manager at Bat Conservation International; Vincent Santucci, Senior Paleontologist and Paleontology Program Coordinator for the National Park Service; and Dr. Carol Chambers, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Northern Arizona University. Learn more about National Fossil Day at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/ and read about other recent significant findings in our national parks at https://www.npca.org/prehistoricsharks and https://www.npca.org/fossiltales. Original theme music by Chad Fischer Night sounds at the Grand Canyon by Jeremy TreglerThe Secret Lives of Parks is brought to you by:Todd Christopher – Producer & HostJennifer Errick – Producer & HostBev Stanton – Online ProducerIsmael Gama, Jr. – Creative Content SpecialistThe Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

Host Todd Christopher explores the past and future of art in the national parks with Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation, and shares works by former national park artists-in-residence including Matt Venuti, Rachel Panitch, Ben Cosgrove and Kurt Wheeler. Original theme music by Chad FischerAudio clips courtesy of the National Park Service Season One of The Secret Lives of Parks was brought to you by: Todd Christopher – Producer & HostJennifer Errick – Producer & HostIsmael Gama, Jr. – Creative Content SpecialistBeverley Stanton – Online Producer The Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

At Big Cypress National Preserve, a critical source of water for the greater Everglades ecosystem, the National Park Service has had to contend with a serious recurring threat ever since Congress established it in 1974 — private oil and gas drilling within the park's borders. Host Jennifer Errick explores the issue with guests Dr. Melissa Abdo, Fred Fagergren and John Donahue.Original theme music by Chad FischerSeason One of The Secret Lives of Parks is brought to you by:Todd Christopher – Producer & HostJennifer Errick – Producer & HostBeverley Stanton – Online ProducerIsmael Gama, Jr. – Creative Content SpecialistThe Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

Noted entomologist Michael J. Raupp joins host Todd Christopher to discuss the noisy return of periodical cicadas to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts — and the life lessons these incredible insects can teach us. You can read more about Brood X cicadas in the national parks in the Spring 2021 issue of National Parks magazine.Original theme music by Chad FischerThe Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org