Ken Burns Talks About His National Parks Series

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is a six-episode series directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan.  The series took more than six years to film at America’s most spectacular natural sites – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska. 

The story is not just about a couple of white men, like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, who of course were instrumental in saving these pristine lands.  The series also chronicles important people from every conceivable background – rich and poor, famous and unknown, soldiers and scientists, natives and newcomers, idealists, artists and entrepreneurs.  These people were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.

Ken Burns talks with CNN about his new series:

Note the six episodes of “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” are available to watch online one day after they air on PBS.  But don’t wait too long, as the episodes will only be available to watch online through October 9.

Yosemite’s Luxury Ahwahnee Hotel to Get Complete Renovation

The historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park is getting its first complete renovation in its 80+ years of service.  The hotel requires extensive work to bring it into compliance with building codes, earthquake standards, and to replace outdated electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

The National Park Service is developing the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan for a phased, long-term rehabilitation of the Ahwahnee and its guest cottages, employee dormitory and landscaped grounds.

Check out this video tour of the Ahwahnee National Landmark hotel: