UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For 100 years, people from all over the world have enjoyed the U.S. National Park System. Visitors of all ages have hiked Yosemite Valley, swam in the Merced River and bird-watched at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
But few have had the chance to experience these parks with those who conduct research within the parks.
Earlier this year, two groups of Penn State alumni embarked on a journey to explore “The Wolves of Yellowstone” with faculty members in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM). Peter Newman, professor and head of RPTM, and Derrick Taff, assistant professor of RPTM, each led groups that explored Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks in January and February, respectively.
Along the way, both Newman — who was once a park ranger at Yosemite — and Taff discussed their research on visitor impact on the parks’ environments.
“Traveling with alumni to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in winter was an incredible experience,” Newman said. “U.S. National Parks just celebrated its 100th year as an essential part of our nation’s landscape. Our alumni were able to meet with other Penn Staters who currently work in the national parks and see firsthand how Penn State students, faculty and alumni make a difference through research and by creating the next generation of leaders and scientists.”
These trips — organized by the Penn State Alumni Association and facilitated by various tour operators — are designed to show alumni how Penn State research can impact the world. Participants have a front-row seat not only to experience trips with small groups of fellow Penn Staters, but also to witness firsthand the impact of Penn State research.
“Peter imparted a wealth of information about national park usage, visitor impact on the parks’ environments, and how climate change is impacting animal habitat and visitor usage,” said alumnus Vic S. Gladstone, who earned degrees from Penn State in 1968 and 1969. “Although this was our first Penn State Alumni Association tour, we will be seriously looking into other such unique travel experiences.”
Alumni trip to Kilimanjaro planned for summer 2018
Next summer, RPTM faculty members will lead a Penn State Alumni Association two-week wildlife and climbing expedition to Tanzania. The first four days will be spent with student researchers participating in the Parks and People study abroad program and include a safari in Mikumi National Park. Alumni will spend the remaining 10 days trekking Africa’s tallest mountain — Kilimanjaro. For more information, visit the trip webpage.