A9. $, $, and more $, along with the wisdom to spend the money. Perhaps the most essential thing would be the combined voices of the people of this nation demanding our parks be treated as a priority. #ParkChat

9. The national park idea was born in the United States. As we approach our 250th anniversary, what is one idea thing you’d like to see happen in the parks right away to improve them? #ParkChat

The obvious answer to this question is "wherever you're working in 2026, Todd," but you're all failing this very easy test.

8. If you could take a foreign visitor to just one park or preserved place in 2026 that is quintessentially American to you, where would it be and why? #ParkChat

7. Do you plan to ring in the New Year 2026 anywhere special that will get you in the America 250 mindset for the rest of the year? #ParkChat

6. People naturally think of presidents when they think of patriotism and major events like America 250. Which president doesn’t have a national historic site but should, in your opinion? Why? #ParkChat

A4 Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Marin Headlands. #parkchat

5. Are there any currently undesignated places out there you think should be set aside as parks or preserved areas during 2026? #ParkChat

A3 #parkchat Any Indigenous story deserves to be heard (lest we lose sight of that).

4. Where do you think would be the perfect spot to watch fireworks on July 4, 2026? #ParkChat

Without giving too much away, I can confirm that this #ParkChat will be mind-blowingly good. Please join in at 9 pm EST this Wednesday, Dec. 3! The #ParkChat folks are awesome, friendly, and welcoming to all who love parks, history, nature, travel, etc. A good time will be had by all!

3. What little-known stories have you seen in parks or on any of your travels that you think deserve more attention during America 250? #ParkChat

2. Do you remember the American Bicentennial in 1976? If so, was there anything specific you liked about that commemoration that you’d like to see done again? #ParkChat

Welcome to a special “America 250” edition of #ParkChat featuring @btarrington.bsky.special. Wow! It’s great to be alive, huh? Please let Dr. Arrington know where you’re at as you join in tonight. @naturetechfam.bsky.special

First #ParkChat question of the night coming in just two minutes! Welcome everyone, and thanks for having me back!

Good morning friends a pre-dawn #sunrise picture from Glacier National Park #artyear #nationalparks #parkchat #eastcoastkin #scape #landscape

There’s no question the statement above from @btarrington.bsky.social is correct. Don’t miss #ParkChat! @tthrash.bsky.social @camarowrx.bsky.social @beckyjlomax.bsky.social @monkeysventures.bsky.social @pamportland.org @mountainscalling.me @yellowstonenpgeek.bsky.social @gibby73.bsky.social

Please show your gratitude to @myhikes.org for guesting #ParkChat tonight. Great job my friend. I can tell the you are our kind of people! 😀

A7 Hiking in Chiricahua was amazing...so few people in February last winter when we were there. We strung together a bunch of little trails into one long loop. Sorry, can't remember the trail names right now. #parkchat

Q7 #ParkChat If you could recommend a “hidden gem” hike or campground that feels peaceful and secluded, where would it be?

I have 490 photo saved of badlands. Here’s a weird one. #ParkChat

A6 #ParkChat TBH, it was my first trip to Badlands NP in 2012. That first overlook, I texted my friend Greg (who I knew had been there before), "Why did you never tell me?" He responded, "You needed to see it yourself."

Q6 #ParkChat Some parks have unique features like caves, dunes, or old-growth trees — what's the most unexpected landscape you've encountered?

a6 the "12 apostles" rock formations of port campbell n.p. australia. beach hiking! #parkchat

Q4 #ParkChat Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden spot (trail, overlook, lake, etc.) inside a popular park that most tourists miss? If so, what was it?

Q5 #ParkChat Which small or remote park offers an experience that rivals the big names?

Q2 #ParkChat What's the most underrated International, National, State, or local park you've visited or want to visit — and why?

Q3 #ParkChat Many visitors stick to famous parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. What's a lesser-known park you think deserves more attention?

A3 #ParkChat Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Easy hiking, nice waterfalls, stunning colors of the Lake Superior!

Q1 #ParkChat I’ve found hidden gems for places to eat while visiting the Parks at bowling alleys, farmers markets and food trucks. Could you name a hidden gem place to eat that you found while visiting a Park? About any kind of place works here.

Please tell @tthrash.bsky.social #HappyHalloween for the great work he did on #ParkChat tonight. I hope everyone at the chat plays safe on Friday and enjoys Halloween

Q11 #ParkChat Q11 You want to wear a costume that has a National Park theme. You can’t come up with an idea so you turn to this tool. Let us know what costume it guides you to and does it make sense? I’m a plotting river otter apparently.

Q10. Halloween candy, pumpkin spice this or that. And pies! Connect any NP site to seasonal food or beverage. #parkchat

🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THE BAY AREA!👻 Explore some of the Bay Area’s eeriest locations, like the Winchester house, USS Hornet, and the city of Colma. Ready to walk with the ghosts?👻 Read our full story here: monkeysventures.com/haunted-plac... #halloweensfbayarea #darktourism #ghosttours

Please thank @camarowrx.bsky.social for serving up a fantastic #ParkChat tonight. Karen also does a lot behind the scenes to keep the chat going and I really appreciate her participation. #ParkChat

Q12 #ParkChat Who has a question, story or joke. No poems accepted tonight.

October is National Depression Awareness Month. Get screened if your sadness isn't linked to anything specific. Get screened if your sadness doesn't go away. Call 988 if you need to talk to someone.

Thank you, @camarowrx.bsky.social for a fun collection of Qs. Made me almost feel like I was in a science class for a bit (which I love!). Thank you so much! #parkchat And thank you for getting #parkchat rolling here!!!!

Q11 #ParkChat The increased darkness also is linked to seasonal affective disorder or SAD. If autumn is a period of depression for you or someone you love, please seek professional help to get through it. Being outside may be part of your therapy or self-care. What makes you happiest about autumn?

Q10 #ParkChat Earlier sunsets and later sunrises in autumn mean more time for stargazing! The Orionid meteors peaked earlier this week, and the Taurids and Leonids will be visiting in November. Do you wish upon the falling stars? Do you count meteors? Have you caught any photos?

Q9 #ParkChat Longer, cooler nights bring on the urge to eat and sleep more. Call it what you will – brumation, torpor, hibernation – many animals enter a state of sleep or near-sleep starting in the autumn. What’s your favorite sleepy animal?

Q4 #ParkChat Fall foliage is a big draw for road trips. Have you ever taken a trip just to see autumn colors? Do you stay close to home? Share some photos if you can!

Q8 #ParkChat Some of those autumn scents are due to the decay of fallen leaves and other organic matter. Fungi are nature’s recycling centers, and abound in autumn. What kinds of interesting fungi have you found in your autumn wanderings? (Of note: many fungi fluoresce in UV light!)

Q7 #ParkChat Aromatherapy is using smell to help with relaxation and psychological wellbeing. What autumn scents do you most enjoy? Do you look for candles or essential oils with those scents in the off season?

Q3 #ParkChat The drop in temperature causes deciduous trees to shed their leaves in autumn. When the green pigment in those leaves breaks down, we see the vibrant colors of other pigments present. What is your favorite color of fall? Any reason why?

Q2 #ParkChat Autumn in many parts of the US is marked by a drop in temperatures and more turbulent weather. How do you feel about the weather changes of autumn?

Q1 #ParkChat Since we are doing “Autumn Feels” I’m going to stretch and ask “How do you feel about the shoulder season of Autumn as a time to travel?” What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling in the Fall?

Welcome to a special “Autumn Feel” episode of #ParkChat featuring @camarowrx.bsky.special. Let’s celebrate this special season tonight and have a little fun. Who’s ready?

All the questions are queued up. All I need is my firepit, and I'm ready for "Autumn Feels" and #ParkChat. I hope you can join us!