What's the harm in sharing a few peanuts with a squirrel? Why should we check sunscreen labels? What happens during the winter and summer solstice? This series will answer those questions and more.
There is so much to explore and discover about the natural world, that nobody can be an expert on everything - that's why sharing knowledge is so important. There's no shame in admitting, "I Didn't Know That!"
Check out the topics below. If you learn something new, pass it on!
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Discover how to recreate responsibly! Learn more about the sometimes-unsaid rules and etiquettes of recreating outdoors.
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From shooting stars to the winter solstice, take a deeper look at some of nature's mysteries and wonders.
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Learn more about the issues facing the natural world and ways you can help at home and in parks.
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![a person stands next to a tent on a cliffside overlooking the ocean](/common/uploads/stories/images/series/nri/20241223/siteadmin/91FFB7C6-A44C-BAAE-6056C3250F9C9438/91FFB7C6-A44C-BAAE-6056C3250F9C9438.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) You've probably heard the term "Leave No Trace" before, but do you really know what it means? In this I Didn't Know That! mini-series, the National Park Service teams up with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to explore Leave No Trace and the 7 guiding Principles that help keep our outdoor spaces enjoyable for generations to come. ![a woman poses next to a tent on a cliffside overlooking the ocean](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/9435D6B8-ECC0-99C4-F8D88EE8BFD0DA92/9435D6B8-ECC0-99C4-F8D88EE8BFD0DA92.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) You’ve probably heard the phrase Leave No Trace before. But what does it really mean? We've teamed up with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to walk you through how to practice Leave No Trace to help keep our outdoor spaces beautiful for generations to come. ![microplastics in the sand](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/94083387-0128-8F36-BB0F0F7A20DD978D/94083387-0128-8F36-BB0F0F7A20DD978D.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) Each year, millions of tons of plastics enter our world’s oceans. It’s the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic dumped into the oceans every minute! Ocean plastics don’t just ruin the view, they also harm wildlife, damage coastal habitats, impact local economies, and even threaten human health. Find out how you can help. ![a man with backpack smiles and waves on a trail](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93F0107D-E8BE-37C9-DE00F6979D7640DA/93F0107D-E8BE-37C9-DE00F6979D7640DA.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) With over 300 million trips to parks each year, that is a lot of people sharing our public lands. We can all do our part to be considerate of others and share the trail to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy these places. Afterall, the outdoors are for everyone! ![a person takes a selfie with a shed moose antler on the ground](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93E913D5-C2F2-E251-B8290AB1D0DCE016/93E913D5-C2F2-E251-B8290AB1D0DCE016.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) The natural world is full of fascinating finds that awe us with their beauty and intrigue. From colorful rocks and seashells to artifacts, feathers, and fossils. While you may be tempted to bring these items home with you, please follow Leave No Trace Principle #4 and leave them where you find them. Find out why in this I Didn't Know That! article. ![a close up of muddy shoes](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93DF1667-CEC0-A0F8-049711FFFAFFD42D/93DF1667-CEC0-A0F8-049711FFFAFFD42D.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) You’ve seen it before. You’re walking along a trail or path, when all of a sudden - BAM - a mud puddle is taking up the entire width of it. What is the most Leave No Trace thing to do? Find out in this I Didn't Know That! article in collaboration with Leave No Trace. ![a person looks at a map in Joshua Tree National Park](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93D275B9-A00E-851E-12375CA31BFC1E48/93D275B9-A00E-851E-12375CA31BFC1E48.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) Each park is unique in its environment and recreational activities. Planning is key to a safe, successful, and enjoyable park visit. Discover how to "Plan Like a Park Ranger" and embrace Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan Ahead and Prepare. ![a fire burns through a forest](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93CB3FF8-B274-D2FE-CA6906E0C94769B4/93CB3FF8-B274-D2FE-CA6906E0C94769B4.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) Winter, spring, summer, fall—wildfires can happen at any time. Are you prepared? Find out how to prepare yourself, your family, and your home in the event of a wildfire in your community. ![a ranger power washes a boat on a trailer](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93C3CA9C-AB50-1EAA-D270C58AD8DB62AD/93C3CA9C-AB50-1EAA-D270C58AD8DB62AD.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) While boating, floating, and fishing are wonderful ways to spend the afternoon, people can unknowingly introduce harmful aquatic hitchhikers that can hide in and on boats and equipment. But there’s a simple way to prevent the spread... clean, drain, dry. ![a shooting star lights up the night sky](/common/uploads/articles/images/nri/20241223/articles/93C1F49E-E598-2D86-181D09EE2F0EE881/93C1F49E-E598-2D86-181D09EE2F0EE881.png?maxwidth=200&quality=90) Seeing a shooting star is a magical experience, but what is a shooting star? In this I Didn't Know That! we share the science behind the magic.
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