We're thankful for three remarkable locations that were destined for the bulldozer but were saved from a future under asphalt: the Marin Headlands, the Ramona Grasslands and the Santa Rosa Plateau.

Stand at your kitchen sink and fill up a glass of water from the tap. Can you guess where that water comes from? Or how far it traveled to get to your tap? What about how adequately -- or not -- the land at the source is protected?

In the Olympics of forest defense, protection of natural rainforests from destruction by the companies feeding voracious markets is what will make the difference between a gold medal and unimaginable loss... and optimistic it may be, but I'm putting my money on a win.

Is the bell about to toll for our national parks? We must ensure the places that protect America's heritage are adequately funded for future generations to enjoy.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has officially announced the 2011 free days for all U.S. national parks, according to a Wednesday press release....

Seeing President Obama and his family take in two of the western parks prompted me to strongly encourage everyone -- yes, even you! -- to plan on a trip like this at some point.