Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

05/31/2026

The Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) can be found year-round in most parts of the continental United States and is a frequent visitor to the Castillo de San Marcos! This bird of prey was likely looking for small critters scurrying around the moat in the early morning.

Image: Cooper’s Hawk peeking over the fort’s wall.

05/31/2026

On May 31, 1889, one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history struck when the South Fork Dam failed above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, unleashing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The raging flood swept through the valley, destroying homes and communities and claiming more than 2,200 lives.

After days of relentless rainfall, the dam gave way, triggering widespread devastation across the region. In the aftermath, Clara Barton and volunteers with the American Red Cross led one of the nation’s first large-scale disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid to survivors.

Today, Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of the flood, its victims, and the recovery efforts that followed. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl

Image: A tree lodged in the Schultz house in the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1889

05/31/2026

🍄✨ Cave surprise! ✨🍄

At first glance, caves may appear inhospitable to life, but look closer and you can find it thriving. This mushroom, of the genus Mycena, found a perfect home in the cool, humid, dim light of the cave. Most Mycena are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead matter or waste. In addition to a comfortable habitat, this individual also found a nutritious meal in the dead tree root it’s growing out of!

This delicate flush of fungi appears only briefly each year on the same piece of decomposing wood deep within Oregon Caves — a tiny seasonal reminder that even in the darkest places, ecosystems are hard at work. 👀🌿

Next time you visit the cave, remember: there’s a whole hidden world growing in the shadows.

Photo credit: NPS/ Sarah M

05/30/2026

Thermal features are so hot right now.

Well, most of the time. Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Do not touch thermal features or runoff. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

Learn more tips on how to adventure through Yellowstone safely at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

05/26/2026

The mondayest Tuesday ever…

Dreading what feels like it could be a bear of a week? Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? Bearly moving? Don’t worry…ease back into work instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. Start by tidying your workspace (or find your space if you’ve forgotten), reminding yourself what it is you do there, and planning your first break of the day. Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to give your brain a chance to catch up too.

Did somebody say break? It never hurts to take a much-needed “paws.” Regular breaks can help you recharge, refocus, and keep the day from turning completely grizzly. Step away for a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, catch something for lunch, or scroll through the park socials. This is your time.

Image: A bear cub takes a nap in a cottonwood trees Big Bend National Park. NPS/CA Hoyt

05/25/2026

Honoring all the members of our armed forces who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion," Memorial Day is one of the most important and solemn days on the National Mall. Across 250 years of American history, starting with those who fell while fighting alongside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, we will never forget our heroes. The military memorials on the National Mall are stunning tributes to hundreds of thousands of people who laid down their lives for freedom. Today we lay wreaths at these special places, but every day, walking past stone walls and metal statues, we recognize the loved and lost and offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

03/12/2026

❗Seeking Volunteers❗

Join natural resources staff at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park as they monitor forests for hemlock woolly adelgid. This invasive, aphid-like insect feeds on hemlock trees and can cause defoliation and tree death. Early detection is critical to protecting our forests.

Volunteer for one day, two days or all three. Monitoring will take place at 12 locations in each park, and volunteers will hike between sites with a break for lunch.

Note: Volunteers must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

🌲Dates: April 2 at Saint-Gaudens NHP; April 3 and 4 at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
🌲Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
🌲Details and registration: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=3E928AFC-F140-2954-1717AC0635CF5D7F

03/10/2026

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) places aspiring preservationists at national parks across the country to preserve cultural resources and crucial infrastructure. Applications are now being accepted for two placements at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

🔨 One TTAP member will contribute to historic preservation projects alongside park staff. Planned projects include helping a stone mason with historic stone wall preventive maintenance, stone and brick foundation repairs, and chimney repointing. The member will also assist a seasoned facilities operations specialist with projects including repairing trim of the historic bowling alley and replicating historic shutters. For more information, visit https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1277458
🌱 One member of the TTAP Landscape Stewardship Corps will learn and practice skills in horticulture and arboriculture. Project work will include flower garden maintenance, turf and irrigation management, tree and hedge maintenance, trail maintenance, and carpentry. The member will also participate in larger, planned projects including grafting historic apple cultivars and establishing a new nursery to support historically significant plants. For more information, visit https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1277457

Visit https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to view all TTAP positions including two placements at nearby Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.

02/09/2026

⚠️Forestry Work Alert: Expect Temporary Trail Closures ⚠️

Forestry work will take place in the southwest corner of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller from February 2 through March 2. This work will improve forest health and increase sunlight for the historic McKenzie farmstead while continuing sustainable forestry traditions.

Expect temporary trail closures and occasional delays during this period. Please stay on trail and obey all posted signs.

For more information and to view the trail closure map, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/temporary-trail-closures-winter-2026.htm

02/03/2026

Now Hiring: Education Assistant – AmeriCorps

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park seek applicants for an Education Assistant position through AmeriCorps.

📅 Duration: May 11, 2026 – November 9, 2026 (26 weeks)
📍 Location: Woodstock, VT and Cornish, NH
⏳ Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

Benefits include:
✅ Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
✅ Weekly Living Allowance
✅ Relocation Allowance

This position supports community science programs, forest health monitoring and environmental education initiatives. Applicants should have an interest in conservation, science communication and outdoor education.

Apply online at https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/p/047efc9c52fd-education-assistant-26-weeks-americorps

01/13/2026

🎨 Calling all Creatives

Applications are now open for the 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

📅 Residency Season: May–October 2026 (Residencies can range from one to six months)
⏳ Deadline to Apply: February 13, 2026

We welcome artists of ALL mediums: Painters, writers, musicians, chefs, fiber artists, photographers, performers and beyond! If your work helps people connect with nature, conservation and creativity, this program is for you.

✅ What’s Included:
• $2,500 stipend
• Dedicated studio space

📌 How to Apply:
Submit your application and portfolio by Feb 13, 11:59 PM EST:
👉 https://www.nps.gov/mabi/getinvolved/artist-in-residence-application.htm

Questions? Email [email protected]

12/17/2025

Now Hiring: Seasonal Maintenance Workers for Spring/Summer/Fall 2026
📍 Woodstock, VT & Cornish, NH
🗓️ Apply by February 13, 2026

Looking for a hands-on summer job in a beautiful setting? Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and -Gaudens National Historical Park are hiring workers to help maintain and improve our parks.

Duties include carpentry, painting, plumbing, trail maintenance, and custodial tasks.

WG-5: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/852290100
WG-7: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/851804900

10/02/2025

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

09/05/2025

Want to be a part of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP’s conservation story?

Join park staff to collect dragonfly larvae for the Dragonfly Mercury Project, a nationwide community science effort to better understand mercury pollution in rivers, lakes, and streams. You’ll work alongside a team to collect larvae using nets, identify them, and prepare samples to be sent to a national laboratory. You’ll also gain new knowledge of mercury pollution and what how it means for humans and ecosystems.

No prior experience is needed, and all training and sampling materials will be provided.

📅 Date: Saturday, Sept. 13 (Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 28)
🕒 Time: 9 am to 1 pm
📍 Location: Forest Center at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (After the training, we will hike together to the Pogue—our park’s pond—1.5 miles one-way, uphill.)
🎒What to bring: Dress in weather-appropriate outdoor attire and close-toed, grippy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Bring snacks and water. You can also pack a bag lunch if you’d like!
📝 How to register: Sign up here https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000GeGb7YAF by Thursday, Sept. 11, or email [email protected] with questions.

We hope you will join us and help gather data to support land stewardship at the park and beyond.

07/17/2025

The luminescence of fireflies or lightening bugs are the joy of summer evenings in late June and early July. Magnificent creatures drift through evening sky and glide above open fields and meadows, marshes, ponds, and rivers or even your backyard!

The name "firefly" implies they are related to flies but rather these soft bodied beetles are part of the Lampyridae family like lady bugs, boll weevils, and the emerald ash borer. Their luminescence is a chemical reaction pulsating in rhythmic patterns to attract mates sometimes in synchronization with a whole colony. Their life cycle lasts about a year hibernating under leafy matter in winter months, emerging as the soil warms for a two-month period each summer to find a mate and lay their eggs – about 300 -500 per female. Fireflies thrive on slugs and snails injecting their host with a chemical to paralyze them, though in the later season, they resort to pollen and nectar. Habitat loss and pesticide use are the biggest reasons for their decline.

So, if you are out looking for fireflies, find a quiet place near a meadow or marshland and just hang out to enjoy the magic!

📷 1.Synchronous Fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NPS/Radim Schreiber 2. USDA Agricultural Research Service.

04/16/2025

The American crow and common raven are among the birds most often seen at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Many people mistake these two birds for each other. Even though they’re a part of the same family, several traits set them apart as they are two different species. How can you tell which one just flew past you during your hike today? Here are some helpful hints!

Size: Ravens are much bigger than crows. Common ravens weigh more and are longer than crows. A raven's bill is also larger, crows have smaller, flat bills and lack a tuft of hair at the top. Common ravens can be over 2 feet, taller than two water bottles stacked on top of each other. Crows, meanwhile, are much smaller, typically max out at 21 inches tall.

Sound: From movies and cartoons, many people are familiar with the short, sharp “Caw! Caw! Caw!” calls of crows. This sound is lighter in pitch than a raven’s call, which is lower and more guttural. One may even describe a raven’s call as sounding like a crow clearing its throat!

Tail: A crow’s tail opens like a fan, because all of its tail feathers are equal in length. Ravens, on the other hand (or on the other wing?) have triangle-like tails, as their middle tail feathers often longer than the other ones. Can you see the difference in the photographs?

And there you have it! Next time you visit the park, you’re bound to see one of these beautiful black birds at some point. And now, you’ll be able to know which one you’re seeing!

American Crow: NPS Photo/Andrea Putman
Common Raven: NPS Photo/Crow Vecchio