What We Do

New technology makes it possible to record hundreds of thousands of songs in a short time. That could make protecting wild birds and other at-risk animals easier.

To help concessioners in parks and visitors support bird conservation at home, this article provides information about items that can effectively reduce bird collisions and support bird conservation.

Light pollution affects our ability to see the stars and it's harmful to nocturnal animals and migratory birds. Find out how you can dim your lights to help protect dark night skies and the wildlife that depends on them.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico has a hidden gem called Rattlesnake Springs. This desert oasis provides a lush habitat for a variety of bird species, including the southwestern willow flycatcher. Staff conducted an intensive survey on their potential breeding territories and foraging habitats, as well as other bird species present.

Birds are an important part of the world we live in. We have surveyed birds for 23 years at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to determine the health of bird communities and park ecosystems. Knowing how birds are doing can help the park take effective steps to restore and maintain the beautiful landscapes at the park.

Eastern black rails serve as valuable health indicators of the salt marshes at Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores (NS). The biggest threat to eastern black rails is rising sea levels since they occupy a narrow window of elevation in the upper zone of marsh habitats. Staff conducted surveys to find out the status of secretive marsh birds at the Seashores.

The falcon monitoring team at Pinnacles National Park began their field season in January. They started off noting which pairs of prairie and peregrine falcons were staking out which cliff faces as nesting territories. Now, after recording all of the season’s small dramas, they’ve watched the newest generation of falcons take to the skies. It’s on the small side, but a bit bigger than last year’s.

From coast to coast, the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division is helping park managers improve the health and function of forest ecosystems. From promoting resilient forests in the Northeast, to conserving whitebark pine in the West, to protecting Hawaiian forest birds from avian malaria, scientific partnerships are helping parks to share information, leverage funding sources, and work together for outcomes that extend beyond what any park could accomplish on its own.

In 2010, the Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network—a small team of NPS scientists—began monitoring natural resources, called "vital signs," in Lassen Volcanic and nearby parks. Vital signs indicate park health and serve as red flags if conditions deteriorate. Results from monitoring these vital signs support park managers’ efforts to make science-based management decisions. Learn about the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division and its work in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

In 2010, the Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network—a small team of NPS scientists—began monitoring natural resources, called "vital signs," in Crater Lake and nearby parks. Vital signs indicate park health and serve as red flags if conditions deteriorate. Results from monitoring these vital signs support park managers’ efforts to make science-based management decisions. Learn about the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division and its work in Crater Lake National Park.