In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir embarked on a legendary three-day camping trip through Yosemite. Away from politics and public life, they huddled under the stars, explored the towering sequoias, and shared a vision that would change the future of America’s wild places.

This unforgettable meeting is often credited with sparking the modern conservation movement—leading to the expansion of national parks and permanent protection for some of our most treasured landscapes.

Join us as we retrace their journey, uncover the stories behind their conversations, and explore how a few nights in the wilderness helped shape the course of American environmental history.

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At Petrified Forest National Park, a strange phenomenon has persisted for decades: people from all over the world mailing back pieces of petrified wood they stole—along with heartfelt apology notes. These “conscience letters” speak of bad luck, misfortune, and regret. But is the so-called curse real, or just a product of guilt?

In this episode of Parkography, we explore the fascinating history behind the curse of the Petrified Forest and the power of a national park to stir the conscience.

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In this episode, we cover the Trump administration's reorganization of the Department of Agriculture and its impact on the US Forest Service, as well as ongoing wildfires, including the Dragon Bravo fire at the Grand Canyon, and debunk myths about animals fleeing Yellowstone. We'll also discuss significant land acquisitions in Texas that will lead to the establishment of new state parks, a tragic incident at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, a Netflix series set in Yosemite, and much more.

Find the Slinky Stove that's right for your next adventure at: https://www.slinkystove.com/?ref=PARKography

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00:00 Introduction 00:08 US Forest Service Reorganization 01:49 Interior Department Job Cuts 02:57 Sponsor Message: Slinky Stove 03:36 Muir Woods Exhibit Removal 04:17 Bear Incidents and Safety 05:13 Yellowstone Animal Rumors 07:15 Lake Powell Water Levels 07:40 New Shark Species Discovery 08:02 Wildfire Updates 11:05 Texas State Parks Expansion 11:56 Arkansas Hiking Tragedy 12:35 Netflix Show Set in Yosemite 13:33 Conclusion and Farewell