NPS Investigative Services Branch

02/09/2026

On September 2, 1945, World War II officially came to an end when Japan signed the surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The day became known as Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day.

The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., features 24 bronze bas-relief panels illustrating the war effort, including scenes capturing the celebrations of V-J Day. The final panel depicts jubilant crowds celebrating the end of the war, including a scene reminiscent of the iconic gatherings in New York’s Times Square following President Harry S Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender.

NPS Photo

02/09/2026

Yeah, yeah. It’s still early. But leaf-changing season will be here before you know it. Are you wearing a carved pumpkin on your head yet? Is that pumpkin spice? No? Give it time.

While we’re here, autumn is a great time to visit national parks. From September through December, depending on the climate and conditions, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands can put on spectacular displays of color.

Before you venture out, check the park’s website for current conditions, weather, road and trail information, closures, rules, and other trip-planning advice. Because the leaves may be changing, but the need to plan ahead remains evergreen.

01/09/2026

“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" - Ms. Frizzle

Seat belts, everyone! School is back in session for many. As we always say, national parks are America’s biggest classrooms. Take your students beyond your classroom with lesson plans, in-park and virtual learning experiences, and teacher training designed to spark a little curiosity, discovery, and adventure.

P.S. While on a park field trip, your bus won’t literally be shrinking, going into space, or taking a detour through a grizzly bear’s digestive system. Which is probably for the best. We imagine the permission slip for that sort of excursion would be several pages long, with boxes for “Yes,” “No,” and “I understand the bear may eat the bus.”

The good news is your class can still dive deep into those topics, and plenty more, at a national park. The bus can remain reassuringly bus-sized and, most importantly, uneaten.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Photo

31/08/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: An Introduction

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we embrace the story of America from our founding to today. National parks help preserve many chapters of that story, including one of the most defining events of the 20th century: World War II. Sixteen million Americans served under arms, more than 400,000 were killed, and countless millions more supported the war effort at home. The war touched every part of American society, and little was left unchanged—including national parks.

For the next 16 weeks, leading up to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will take you across the country to explore America's experience in World War II through the lens of national parks. These sites preserve different parts of America's wartime story, including both triumphs and tragedies. This list of parks is by no means exclusive, nor are the stories that will be shared. They represent just a fraction of the war's impact on our parks and the nation, with many of those impacts still felt today.

To follow the series, use . Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a new park will share its story and point you to the next stop in the journey.

The series begins here at .

Image Caption: WWII enlisted visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Credit: NPS/Emily Welch

31/08/2026

Search and recovery efforts continue following the flooding in Grand Canyon National Park. One body has been recovered and recovery operations for a second body are currently underway. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed. Forecasted weather may affect the timing and pace of operations.

Visitors are asked to remain out of the closure area while search and recovery operations continue. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed until further notice.

For current conditions and updates, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

31/08/2026

30/08/2026

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch

📞 NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

Full news release: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm

30/08/2026

Calling all explorers, curious minds, budding historians, wildlife watchers, and future park protectors!

Today is National Junior Ranger Day, a chance for kids of all ages to learn, explore, and discover the stories, science, history, and wildlife that make national parks special.

Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete the activities, talk with a ranger, ask questions, and earn your badge. You might even discover something you didn’t expect. That’s part of the adventure.

Because caring for special places starts with understanding why they matter. We’ll see you out there!

29/08/2026

National Park Week rolls on…

Jessica Bowron, NPS Comptroller Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, joined National Capital Parks East staff and community members to celebrate National Park Week and experience some of the many ways visitors connect with these parks.

At Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, she toured the home of statesman and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations. She also stopped by Anacostia Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Late Skate at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion—NPS’s only roller-skating rink—and enjoy a longtime community tradition that brings people together through music, movement and outdoor fun.

From preserving and sharing stories of American history to maintaining places where communities can gather, recreate and enjoy the outdoors, dedicated employees at National Capital Parks East and across the National Park Service make these experiences possible. They work on the front lines and behind the scenes to care for our parks, protect their stories and ensure these special places remain welcoming and accessible to all.


NPS Photos/Lubanovich

12/03/2026

NPS Investigative Services Branch assists Gettysburg National Military Park on vandalism investigation.

On March 6, 2026, National Park Service law enforcement rangers, with assistance from the Carlisle (PA) Police Department, arrested Lucas J. Reisinger, 36, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was arrested on two felony counts of destruction of veterans’ memorials in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1369. Reisinger is accused of carving his initials into two monuments at Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Military Park in September 2025.

Read the full story on our website: https://go.nps.gov/LRTArrest