US Forest Service closing 23 research facilities as part of reorganization

September 5, 2026

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is closing 23 research and development stations in more than a dozen states as part of an organizational overhaul under President Donald Trump that is intended to trim costs and concentrate the agency’s resources in Western states, officials said Thursday. The work being done at the research stations will continue at other sites, Forest Service Associate Chief Chris French said in an interview. An additional 41 research facilities that faced possible closure will remain open after local officials and members of Congress raised concerns ...

At 91, Dale ‘Grey Beard’ Sanders reclaims record as oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail

September 5, 2026

MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — More than 14 million older adults fall every year in the U.S., perhaps none so often as 91-year-old Dale Sanders. By his count, Sanders fell 71 times while reclaiming his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Six were what he calls hard ...

In the Parks

August 29, 2026

Various local parks will offer programs that folks may be interested in attending. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The programs may be modified or cancelled in the event of severe weather or community guidelines. Insect Safari WATERVILLE — On Saturday, Aug. 29, at 3:30 p.m., join the naturalist at Little Pine State Park to learn some of the characteristics of an insect and go on an “Insect Safari.” There will be a craft.This program is intended for children, but anyone is free to attend. Meet at the amphitheater. Logging of Little Pine ...

Preservationists are working to extend the life of a rare Revolutionary War ‘witness tree’

August 29, 2026

EUTAW SPRINGS, S.C. (AP) — Standing beneath the spreading branches of a massive live oak, historian Garrison Marcoux tries to imagine what this scarred, struggling tree saw 245 years ago. Did one of the British soldiers encamped at this South Carolina crossroad near the end of the ...

In the parks

August 22, 2026

Various local parks will offer programs that folks may be interested in attending. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The programs may be modified or cancelled in the event of severe weather or community guidelines. Afternoon Birding on Lake Shore Trail WATERVILLE — On Saturday, Aug. 22, at 3:30 p.m., join the Little Pine State Park naturalist for some “Afternoon Birding on Lake Shore Trail.” Topics will include the different birds that live at Little Pine and how to identify them. A limited number of binoculars will be on hand. Please bring ...

Move over bears. Fat Marmot Week puts a spotlight on the alpine rodents

August 22, 2026

GOTHIC, Colo. (AP) — Last winter was tough for marmots living high in the Colorado mountains, where researchers say two-thirds of one population died while hibernating because of insufficient snow cover. Those that survived are doing well, fattening up in time not just for fall and ...