Bob Janiskee


Biography

While serving 33 years on the faculty of the University of South Carolina, I taught a national parks course, helped get Congaree National Park established, and worked as a V.I.P in that park. Now retired as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Geography, I want to continue visiting parks, thinking about parks, and writing about parks until I assume room temperature. To help keep me focused and busy I teach “America’s National Parks” and several other courses through the University’s Independent Learning division.



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Tidewater Goby Translocation: A Little Fish Gets a Big Boost

The tiny fish called the tidewater goby doesn’t get the publicity that the Devils Hole pupfish gets, but like that other little fish this endangered species is getting a helping hand. Gobies from Point Reyes National Seashore were recently translocated to establish a new population at a protected site on Tomales Bay.

Is There a First State National Historical Park in Delaware’s Future?

Delaware is the only state without an NPS unit. A bill recently introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to fix that. Will this dog hunt?

Cowpens National Battlefield Invites Visitors to Enjoy a Backcountry Holiday at the Scruggs House

In addition to the site of a famous Revolutionary War battle, Cowpens National Battlefield preserves the 1828 Robert Scruggs House. The “Backcountry Holiday” that the park hosts at the Scruggs House each November entertains and educates visitors of all ages.

Wind Cave Bison Translocation Restocks Mexican Preserve

Twenty-three bison rounded up at Wind Cave National Park have been translocated to a Nature Conservancy-managed preserve in Mexico. The project will establish a satellite herd on grasslands in Chihuahua that were part of the species’ historic range.

As the Civil War Sesquicentennial Draws Near, Endangered Battlefields Get More Federal Attention and Money

Always important, battlefield preservation takes on a renewed sense of urgency as Civil War Sesquicentennial planning shifts into high gear. The FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill for FY 2010 will include a record $9 million for the federal Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program.

By The Numbers: Economic Impacts of the National Parks

Here are some interesting statistics from the Park Service’s recently-released report on the economic impact of the national parks.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Gets a Construction Permit at Long, Long Last

Much has transpired in the 13 long years since Congress authorized the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial for our nation’s capital. Now, nearly three years since the groundbreaking, a construction permit has finally been issued. Completion is slated for 2011.

You'll Need to Win the Lottery to Attend This Year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting

People who want to attend this year’s National Christmas Tree lighting on December 3 (invited VIPs excepted, of course) will need to score tickets distributed to the general public by lottery. You can enter the lottery online or by phone during November 4-6. Here are the details.

Bison Will Soon Roam Again at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Thirteen bison fresh from Wind Cave National Park will soon be released in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Destined to become one of the preserve's main attractions, the charismatic animals restore an important element of biodiversity and historical character to a national park that was established to protect one of America’s last remaining large tracts of tallgrass prairie.

National Park System Quiz 72: Forts

Let’s find out if you know your national park forts. Answers are at the end. If we catch you peeking, we’ll make you man the ramparts.