Environmental Factors

Drilling an ice core out of a cave for testing Climate Change A worldwide phenomenon, climate change is now affecting the environment of the Lava Beds. Monument staff now monitors cave ice, wildlife populations, and other trends to detect changes. Learn more about how climate change is affecting national parks here.
Firefighter at Big Nasty prescribed burn. Fire Regime: How often do different habitats naturally burn in wildland fires? Learn more about fire ecology and fire management here.
Non-Native Species Noxious weeds are a major problem throughout the West. Learn more about how non-native species impact national parks here.
Air Quality Monitoring Would you believe that dust storms in Mongolia can affect Lava Beds? For more information on Lava Beds air quality please visit this site: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/current-data.htm?site=labe&location=entrance-station&
Lightscape / Night Skies 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. During each summer, we have an annual astronomy day and night sky viewing event where we have daytime activities and then set up telescopes in the parking lot at night. Call the Visitor Center at 530-667-8113 for more information. Print out a current star chart for your visit to Lava Beds (41* 43' N / 121* 31' W) here>>>   Dan Duriscoe