Great Smoky Mountains National Park wants oral history from people who lived there

October 5th, 2009 Environmentalists say climate change hurts parksNEW YORK — The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization say 25 national parks are threatened by climate change. A report called "National Parks in Peril: The Threats of Climate Disruption" say the changes in landscapes and ecosystems are harming plants, trees and wildlife, but also threaten human activity in the parks and manmade structures.

September 30th, 2009 Fall events near Smokies, from chili to gospelGATLINBURG, Tenn. — Amid the backdrop of fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is celebrating the season with crafts, food and music.

September 25th, 2009 Oral Roberts inaugurates 3rd university presidentTULSA, Okla. — Oral Roberts University has inaugurated the third president in the Oklahoma school's history.

September 14th, 2009 Yellowstone seeing record visitors this yearYELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Yellowstone National Park hosted a record number of visitors this summer and remains on track for its busiest year ever.

September 14th, 2009 Conde Nast Traveler recommends 10 national parksNEW YORK — Conde Nast Traveler is marking Ken Burns' new PBS series about the national parks, "America's Best Idea," with a look at 10 national parks and recommendations for how to see them. The magazine looks at five parks in its September issue and another five online at www.cntraveler.com/nationalparks.

September 9th, 2009 US Mint list of new national park quartersThe U.S. Mint announced Wednesday that it will produce a series of quarters highlighting America's national parks, one per state and territory, beginning next year.

September 9th, 2009 Hot Springs to be featured first on new quartersHOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Quarters dropped into fountains at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas next year could feature the park itself.

September 7th, 2009 6 vehicles crash on main road near SmokiesSEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Police say a highway pileup near the Smoky Mountains has critically injured three people and at least 10 others have been taken to the hospital.

September 2nd, 2009 Dolly Parton sings as Smokies celebrate 75th yearGATLINBURG, Tenn. — Homegrown superstar Dolly Parton sang "My Mountain, My Home" as leaders rededicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its 75th anniversary in a ceremony Wednesday.

August 31st, 2009 Backpacker, 70, unhurt after Tenn. mountain rescueGATLINBURG, Tenn.

August 31st, 2009 Elderly backpacker unhurt after mountain rescueGATLINBURG, Tenn. — A 70-year-old backpacker who had been missing for several days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been airlifted to safety and is reported in good shape.

August 10th, 2009 Outside magazine's recommendations for Great LakesNEW YORK —If you're looking for a place to paddle your canoe, ride your mountain bike, dive, fish or climb, Outside magazine is recommending the Great Lakes. The magazine's August issue lists seven places for outdoor adventure in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario.

June 15th, 2009 Smokies breaking ground for new visitor centerGATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rounding out a weekend of celebrating the park's 75th anniversary with a lasting reminder.

June 1st, 2009 Smoky Mountains Park marks 75th anniversaryGATLINBURG, Tenn. — The ancient blue-green mountains with breathtaking vistas and distinctive mists are home to salamanders and black bears, 19th century log cabins, rippling streams, waterfalls and more than 800 miles of trails, including a large section of the Georgia-to-Maine Appalachian Trail.

April 30th, 2009 National Mall to start recycling programWASHINGTON — The National Mall, known as America's "front yard" and stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, is finally getting a recycling program.