Last updated: December 29, 2021
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10 Highlights of 2021
As 2021 winds to a close (how?!) we're taking a look back at things that happened in the world of natural resources, science, and stewardship. There's no way we could list them all! But here's a countdown of 10 things that happened this year that we think are pretty remarkable.
Three New National Natural Landmarks
We kicked off 2021 with three new designated National Natural Landmarks:
- Bear Rocks and Allegheny Front Preserve, WV
- Sulphur Cave and Spring, CO
- Lanphere and Ma-le'l Dunes, CA
National Natural Landmarks are designated by the Secretary of the Interior in recognition that the site contains significant examples of the nation's biological and/or geological features. These new designations provide an awesome opportunity for everyone to celebrate the great diversity of the Nation’s natural heritage.
Several Park Units recognized as International Dark Sky Parks
Crystal Coast Stargazers/Alex Gu
At least seven national park units were recognized by the National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021:
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Curecanti National Recreation Area
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Zion National Park
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park
This certification recognizes the exceptional quality night skies and provides added opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming.
Trailblazing Women in Conservation
Throughout the year we read the stories of trailblazing women in conservation in the Dare to Imagine series. The series highlighted wildlife biologists, a paleontologist, communications coordinators, and more. Learn more about the work they do, the obstacles they have faced, and what they’re most proud of.
National Fossil Day 2021
For National Fossil Day 2021, we celebrated Prehistoric Life from our National Parks and Monuments. Paleontologists, educators, and students across the country took part in fossil-related events and activities to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Each year, there’s an art contest. Check out the 2021 winners!
New Edition of Park Science Magazine
Image © Dustin Reft
In December, we caught up on research and stewardship news in the latest edition of Park Science. This edition is packed with cutting-edge natural and cultural resource science from across the National Park Service . From archeology in Acadia National Park to mangroves in Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve to rescuing a church from literally falling off a cliff in Alaska.
Falcon Numbers on the Rise at Pinnacles National Park
NPS/Gavin Emmons
2021 proved to be a fantastic year for falcons at Pinnacles National Park. After years of recording below average numbers of falcon fledglings, the monitoring staff at Pinnacles National Park was happy to count 40 fledglings after the 2021 breeding season. Here's the breakdown:
- 8 successful prairie falcon pairs produced 31 fledglings
- 4 peregrine pairs produced 9 fledglings
A New Portly Patriarch of Paunch was Crowned
A new champion was crowned during the annual Fat Bear Week celebration of success and survival. 96,064 people voted in the final showdown to answer the question of “who is the fattest bear of them all in 2021?” 480 Otis persevered to secure his fourth win of the coveted crown. Check out the 2021 competitor line up.
NPS
We Celebrated Caves and Karst
NPS
Throughout the year, the National Park Service joined the celebration of The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) to help raise the level of understanding and respect for caves and karst as globally important physical, ecological, and cultural systems.
From art contests and podcasts to virtual tours and up-close explorations—2021 was the year to discover caves and karst in your national parks.
A “BloominPalooza” Occurred in the Sonoran Desert
NPS/Tani Hubbard
In spring of 2021, something exceedingly rare happened: flowers appeared up and down the arms of saguaro cactus, even on the tiny nubbins. This event was rare because the blooms are usually limited to the crown. While scientists don't have definitive answers yet, they have come up with a couple hypotheses to explain this phenomenon.
Further long-term ecological monitoring by Saguaro National Park and the Sonoran Desert Network will help us know if this unprecedented bloom will result in future saguaro recruitment (more cactus).
Read about this extraordinary saguaro bloom and other news from the Sonoran Desert Network.
Check out more photos of this rare blooming event.
Inspired While #ParkedAtHome
Last year we launched our Parked At Home series while missing our parks. In the series, we encouraged you to experience park science at home. This year, our friends at Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve got inspired! Timucuan rangers embraced being #ParkedAtHome by recreating park views in a photo weaving project. Try it for yourself!