What We Cover
Park Science covers developments in science and technology that influence our understanding of how best to preserve, interpret, and enjoy our national parks. Scientific research and stewardship are vital to the National Park Service’s (NPS’s) mission. Park Science aims to tell compelling, insightful, and inspiring stories that show how important these functions are to the health and longevity of our public lands.
Our History
Park Science was first published in 1980 by the former NPS Pacific Northwest Region. The first editor was Jean Matthews, a former newspaper reporter and speechwriter. Jean worked in the NPS interpretation program, where she explored ways to share stories about science with other employees and the public.
Once established, Park Science quickly became popular. From its inception, the magazine’s goal was to appeal not only to scientists but also to a general audience. Jeff Selleck, who edited the magazine after 1993, retired in 2018. The current editor is Marie Lawrence, who joined the magazine in October 2020.
Although formerly a print and Web-based publication, Park Science is now only published online. The magazine reaches thousands of people annually. It is published by the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Natural Resources Office of Communication in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is funded by the NPS Associate Director for Natural Resource Stewardship and Science.
Submitting to Park Science Magazine
Park Science welcomes submissions from employees, interns, and volunteers of the National Park Service and its partners. We also consider submissions from external authors. We consider submissions at any time on any subject related to science and our national parks. If you are interested in writing an article for the magazine, go to the submit page.
About Subscriptions
Park Science does not offer print subscriptions. Some older issue articles have PDF versions that can be downloaded or printed. Web pages of newer issues can be saved as PDFs or printed on a desktop printer (see your operating system or printer instructions for how to do this).
Park Science magazine
Online: ISSN-1090-9966
Print—back issues only: ISSN-0735-9462
Last updated: March 9, 2023