© sachindaluja via Flickr

The freshwater wetlands and black spruce swamps - once part of the largest pieces of private property within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - have officially been added to the park.

In 1965, the DelGrosso family purchased the 91.5-acre tract, just east of the Delaware River in Sussex County, N.J. but agreed to sell the property to the Nature Conservancy last year. Its appraised value was $1 million until the federal government allocated money for the park to buy the land.

The National Park Service considers the DelGrosso land to be a critical element for wildlife, habitat, and water protection in the Gap. The entire Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers about 70,000 acres of mostly forested land that cradles the Delaware River as it runs from Milford to Water Gap.

© emdot via Flickr

Yurts are one of the amenities being offered by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada has crafted a pilot project to lure more people into national parks by shying away from the traditional experience.

Instead of tent, campfire, and sleeping bag, think beds, plumbing, and lighting. "Roughing it" is combining with luxury at some Canadian parks and is bringing camping to a whole new audience. Campers at Forillon National Park in Quebec are now offered yurts rather than tents which  include wood floors, windows, a stove, a sink. and furniture.

Starting next spring, Jasper National Park will offer a number of cottage tents that include wooden floors, beds, bunk beds, tables, lights, futon chairs, pans, plates, glasses, and cutlery. Many will also include baseboard heaters. Still looking to cook over a campfire? Park staff will be on hand for lessons.

If the pilot project is successful, it could be expanded to other mountain parks. And Parks Canada is looking at other ideas to entice prospective visitors including play areas for children, power hookups, and even wireless Internet.

So what do you think? Is this pilot project a good idea to increase popularity at parks or will adding more amenities take away from the natural outdoor experience? Share your thoughts below!

© NCBrian via Flickr

Friday morning marked the kick off of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At the Ravensford Overlook, officials began the anniversary with a Cherokee Indian ceremonial dance. The celebration continues today with an all-star benefit concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville. Grammy-award winning songwriter and musician Nanci Griffith and bluegrass legends Doyle Lawson, Sammy Shelor, Bryan Sutton, Tim Surrett, and Jim Van Cleve will all perform.

The 469-mile roadway that crosses through 29 counties from Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC will be celebrated throughout 2010 by the communities along the parkway. Learn more about upcoming events online.

© NPCA

Why not give the gift of the national parks to the special people on your list this year? By giving a gift membership, not only do you save yourself from the stress and crowds of department stores, but you'll help protect America's most treasured lands.

The National Parks Conservation Association offers Gift Memberships starting at only $25. Gift members will also receive a fleece blanket as a welcome gift, plus a year's subscription to the award-winning National Parks magazine.

Purchase a Gift Membership online today!