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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Lava Beds National MonumentSchonchin Butte in winter
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Lava Beds National Monument
Environmental Factors
Drilling an ice core out of a cave for testing

Drilling an ice core out of a cave for testing

Climate Change

A worldwide phenomenon, climate change may now be affecting the environment of the Lava Beds. Monument staff now monitors cave ice, wildlife populations, and other trends to detect changes.

More coming soon>>>
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A botanical illustration of common mullen, a noxious weed.

Non-Native Species

Noxious weeds are a major problem throughout the West.

More coming soon>>>
Prescribe fires help restore ecosystems

Fire Regime

How often do different habitats naturally burn in wildland fires?

More coming soon>>>
Air quality monitoring equipment

Air Quality Monitoring

Would you believe that dust storms in Mongolia can affect Lava Beds?

More coming soon>>>
Detail of a average precipitation map

Weather & Climate

Is there a difference between weather and climate?

More coming soon>>>
The night sky, with Milky Way, over the Lava Beds
Dan Darriscoe
 

Lightscape / Night Skies

As a designated Dark Skies Preserve, the starry skies over the Lava Beds are a dream for amateur astronomers. High altitude, clean, dry air, and a remote location far from urban light pollution are key to the great view.

More coming soon>>>
Carpet Phlox  

Did You Know?
Carpet phlox (Phlox hoodii) is one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring. It grows in low, dense mats on rocky soils and is completely covered in pink or white flowers.

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Last Updated: November 02, 2008 at 17:27 EST