USA: THE HUGE GREEN LUNG FOR ECOTOURISM AND WILDLIFE by Fátima Boucharab
The americans have been the first in the world to creat national parks to preserve its natural resources. In fact, Yellowtone was been the first National Park that was created in the world in 1872. From there, the history of ecotourism and green tourism has been closely linked with that of the United States, where it is possible to visit some of the most fantastic and singular natural areas in the world. After creating the Natural Park Yellowstone, the USA has preserved them leadership what concerns to protection of natural areas. Therefore, they very proud of it. Its vast territory, houses hundreds of natural spaces of which 61 has the category of nacional parks.
Moreover, it's quite simple: associeted with large megalopolises of the East (New York) and of the West (Los angeles, San francisco) the "great park" as we used to call its, are the main reason attracting every year ten of millions of visitor in North America. Reason why no doubt the most advertising to tourism put forward either one of these big cities or the most beautiful natural landscapes of the country.
The green tourism has grow not only thanks to the landscapes, the natural areas and opportunity to live great adventures, but also to the excellent infrastructures that they offer at the visitor. USA have a magnificient communication system, suitable accommodation and a great variety of options of leisure, gastronomic and cultural. Nowaday to access these wonders of ecoturism in the USA it is too easy. Only you have to choose the destination, to verify that you have a valid passport and to make reservations. The last step is fill an ESTA USA. this authorization allows you to travel throughout the United States for 90 days and to discover the national parks without having to apply for a visa.
So, if you're looking for greenest places to visit in the USA, here are some ideas!
Customisable or in small group, a responsible travel in USA, it is going into immersion in the heart of nature, while creating opprtunities to meat and interact with the local people. Along for the adventure!
YELLOWSTONE PARK AND ITS VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES:
Bison, geysers and hot springs: admire the wonders of the oldest american national park. Located for the most part in Wyoming, it extends into Montana and Idaho and it has five access. Yellowtone is an heigh place of geothermal activities: there are two thirds geysers of the planet, and many hot springs and mud pools.
What can you do and see in Yellowtone?
The park is famous for its multicolored hot springs, its powerful geyers and it impressive canyon. But, it also constitues an important whidlife refuge where you can see the bison, grizzlies and wolves. Did you know that the park is located on a volcano? The next eruption is predicated into 1000 and 10 000 years. With which you have plenty time to visit it without fear. Best to see most of this park if you only have one day it is to browse the Grand Loop Road.
In Madison, head south toward Old Faithful. Your first stop obligatory should be Grand Prismatic Spring, the most natural beautiful swimmingpool of the park with its colors really amazing. Old faithful geyser is the most famous of the park because it erupts regulary, almost every hours. His spectacular jet is expelled 50 meters height. Hayden Valley is the park section where we are most likely to observe the wildlife. By the way often we cross with bison on the road. As to grizzlies, it's mostly in the spring or in the summer when we can see them.
If you have more time and energy, the path Brink of the Lower falls is the most spectacular since it leads directly there where the water of the falls falls into the void. It is a hike of about one hour and the ascent can be quite strenuous cause of the drop.
YOSEMITE: THE HEART OF SIERRA NEVADA( famous for its waterfalls and its sequoias):
Located at the heart in the Sierra Nevada of the California, Yosemite is no doubt the most known because it proposes 4 parks in only one. Its waterfalls and its spectacular granite domes attract every year thousands of hikers and climbers coming from all over the world. Situated at 3h30 drive from San Francisco and at 6h from Los Angeles in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park extends on 3079 km2. It is the second oldest park in the american history after Yellowstone and the third in size of California. In 1984, UNESCO registered it in the list of World Heritage of Humanity. This high mountain park protects a glacial valley farmed by high cliffs and exceptional rock formations, dotted with lakes and waterfalls. The latter such as Yosemite Falls which crash from the top of their 750 meters, or the romantic Bridalveil Fall that unfolds like a wedding veil, are especially dizzying at the time of melting snow and glaciers. The highest point in the park, located at the South-East, is the Mont Lyel, at an altitude of 3997 metres. At the East, the Mont Clark rises to elevations above 3500 metres. The most beautiful panorama on the valley of Yosemite, in the summer, is the Glacier Point. Perched on a cliff, it dominates the valley of Yosemite more than 900 metres high.
Yosemite National Park is a favorite destination for the adapted trekking, climing and skiing. Also, we can practice mountaineering, white water sports, canyoning, fishing, swimming, to ride a bicycle or to explore the 1280 km of trails hiking.
Exceptional flora and fauna:
Another excuse to look up: the giant sequoias. the greatest concentration is one hour away at the South of the valley in Mariposa Grove. Another forest, in Crane Flat houses groups of this colossus. The oldest is the Sequoia Grizzly 2700 years old. The fauna is very rich there. Black bear walk there, but we can see coyotes, hinds and lovely marmots, and some 135 especies of birds, mostly if we decide to camp in the park.
HAWAÏ ECOTOURISM AND ITS NOTION OF MALAMA'AINA TO STAY GREEN
Hawaï has been practicing sustainability for millennia. Thus, for the residents and native who cling to the notion of malama'aina (take care of the earth), it's easy to stay green. Long time member of the international ecotourism society, Hawaï pruposes much more than ecological beach activities, as the surfing, diving with tuba, kayak and scuba diving. Also, you can find out about old ways of sustainability Pu'uhonua or Honaunau National Historical Park to hike in the national park of volcanics of Hawaï or to discover the Hawaiian culture during a festival of hula.
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Now, I'm talking to you the details some ecological tours and activities not to be missed:
Maui: national park Haleakala in the dawn: meating at the top of 10 023 feet from the national park of Haleakala to admire the impressive sunrise of Maui during a guided day trip. Learning more about its flora, its fauna and its local cultural history tanks to guide's commentary. After, make a stop in the historical Kula Lodge to enjoy once again of the views on the valley. The tour is committed to preserving the landscapes and Hawaï's culture.
Exploring the Maui Ocean Center: the aquarium of Hwaï,throughout its roots of the conservation, education and sustainable observing hundreds underwater animals when you cross an acreylic tunnerl and enter a marine habitat of 7500 000 gallons. Your ticket for a day trip you give access at living corals and fishes of reef where you should be learn more about sharks of reef, white tip sharks, black tip sharks, hammerhead sharks andtiger sharks, considereted as the most dangerous sharks to leave in the tropical waters. Discovering the grace of stingray, winter skate and come closer protected green sea turtles of Hawaï.
Maui: ecological visit of Molokini and turtles's town: discover the underwater worlds from the crater Molokini and turtle arches during this cruise from Maui. Receive some instructions on how to do snokeling before to explore the reef. Enjoy this environment rich in biodiversity thanks to professionnal naturalists. Molokini, the emblematic island of Maui crescent-shaped, is a magnificient famous reef for its crystal clear waters, abundant coral, colored fishes and resting seabirds. This volcanic crater is only accessible by boat. After your excursion in Molokini, go to turtles arche and enjoy of the site of snorkeling with its underwater lave formation. Observe the sea turtles, eels, octopuses and other fishes of reef.
Big Island: night swim with manta ray and/or 3 hours snorkeling and sailing in Waikoba: go on an experience nighttime snorkeling expedition during a cruise from Big Island. Get closer to amazing manta rayas as they glide gracefully through the water. Your underwater adventure will take place through clean and hot waters near reefs preserved, teeming with marine life. After the sunset,head out itothe night waters toattend a fascinating "ballet of the manta rays" along coast of Kona, near the mouth of Keauhou's bay. also, in the Big Island, in the morning and in he afternoon, you will be able to go on excursions aboard a sailing catamaran of 15 metres to see dolphins, sea turtles and whales.
Honolulu: guided visit underwater of Waikiki with commentary: go on board of Atlantis XIV, the biggest submarine of passengers of high technology in the world who can accommodate 64 passengers. Dive 100 feet below the surface and discover the sea mysteries of Waikiki. The site houses several Hawaiian fishes, corals and turtles.
NATIONAL PARK OF EVERGLADES: HOLIDAYES AT THE HEART OF AN EXCEPTIONAL ECOSYSTEM
What would a road trip in Florida without a tour in the famous park of the Everglades?
Located in the country Miami-Dadle, the Park of Everglades is an ecosystem filled with marshes, swamps and alligators. If we had to characterize the Everglades en three words: humidity, biodiversity and tranquility. Registered in the mundial heritage of the humanity, it is one of the rich ecosystems on the planet. There, you will come across several species of birds, snakes, brown bears, lynx, crocodiles and alligators, and perhaps you can see its famous panther of Florida. But this, it's only if you are luckly. It comprises more than 6000 km2 of natural habitat and more than half of which is underwater. So, you can know that to visit the Everglades it's a bit like visiting Orlando's parks: it is not possible to visit everything in a day trip.
The different entry points to the park:
- in the East, there is what is called the "sea of herbs", where you can find all airboat companies.
- in the West, there is a forest part called "Big Cypress". On the around there is the maritim part with islands and mangroves.
To visit the Everglades you can enter by Tamiami Road (US41) from Miami to Naples passing by Everglades City. On this road, in a day trip you will be able to do Shark Valley, an airboat tour and the Loop Road (Big Cypress National Reserve).
But, if you prefer the canoeing is a greener way to visit the Everglades. So, if you are a bit reckless try the canoeing in the Rookery Bay (Marco Island), Everglades City, Riverbend Park in Palm Beach. You to make your choice, it will also depend on your itinerary of your road trip. Go for a bike ride in Shark Valley, since it is a very easy, flat and straight cycle path of around 24km and plunges you into the heart of the Everglades. It will take 2 or 3 hours to do the complete route. Be careful because it's very hot so, preferaby do it in the morning.
The routes of Big Cypress and its "scenics views": the discovery of Big Cypress Hill offers serveral different access that you can walk or drive. Thus, it will take you off the beaten track enjoying scenic routes.
The Loop Road, route of 27 miles cross the forest of cypress and pines. It is the biggest route and surely, the nicest because it offers the possibility to observe the fauna and flora.
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| Sea of herbs |
THE COLORADO: A JEWEL OF ECOTURISM
Colorado can boast to dispose of the one of the greatest varieties of landscapes of the USA. Vast plains housing many ranches, dizzy canyons, huge national forests, lakes and rivers with crystal clear waters, gigantic sand dunes with the peaks of the Rochy range permanently in the bachground. It's in a real western setting that Colorado will immense you in the experiences of which are as varied as its national parks. Less than one and a half from denver throne the famous Rocky Mountain National Park with its 58 picks exceeding 4000 meters, its wildlife and its landscapes of idyllic mountains.
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| Rocky Mountain National Park |
In Great Sands Dunes National Park it's the dunes trying to shade the mountains while the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and its walls has nothing to envy to its "cousins"in Utah.
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| Great Sands dunes National Park |
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| Black Canyon of the Gunnison |
At last, Mesa Verde and its famous troglodyte dwellings, listed as the World Heritage of UNESCO to immerse its visitors in the fascinating and misterious history of Anasazis who populated the area until the 14th century.
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| Mesa Verde |
With a hundred major players acting for the fauna and flora protection and local authorities engaged in a dynamic of conservation and recycling, the Colorado's population is very aware and attached to environmental cause and is happy to share it with its visitors.
Colorado is the ideal winter destination with unparalleled sking and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fat-biking, snowtubing, seasonal festivals, a rich cultural heritage and so much more. That's why plan your Colorado vacation now and boost the colors of your life!
MAINE'S ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: OCEANS, FORESTS AND MOUNTAINS
Some of the best scenery of the East Coast of the USA are located in the Mount Desert Island, where the beaches and cliffs give its lush forests and towering peaks, one of which measures 466 metres. Venture to know the summits on a path of 204 Km to appreciate the green landscapes of Maine and the charm of the incredible ocean. Visit a garden, a center and a natural museum to know how donated lands they became a jewel of the collection of the National Parks's Service. Forest rangers will tell you its history and the changes in the 21rst century.
Acadia National Park that is located in the Atlantic Coast, is famous for its incredibles rock beaches. This national park, located near of Bar Harbor, Maine, and around 5 hours from northeast of Boston, Massachusetts, also has highest mountains, leafy forests and a wide variety of animals, for example, american owls, bald eagles, moose and coywolf, among others.
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| Coywolf or Coyote of the East (wolf, dog and coyote cross) |
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| Bald eagles |
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| Moose |
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| American owls |
To discover the excellent views of this park of 192 km2, walk to the top of the Cadillac, the highest point of the north atlantic. If you want, you can ride on bicycle on the 92 square kilometer of the historical road of the park. And don't miss looking at the stars in this place, since as there is no light contamination the night photos you take will be truly dazzling.
OREGON: A PIONEER OF THE GREEN MOVEMENT
The Northwest of the Pacific has always been a pioneer of the green mouvement. It is the third place of the most respectous states of the environment and serves as model here and elsewhere in the world. Surrounded by miles of natural beauty, it has a lot of explore on foot and with efforts to support its population of cyclists, Oregon makes way for tons of bike and itinerary paths. So, you don't need to start your engine. Amity Vineyards, a sustainable vineyard since 1991 produces 3 eco wines which are both organic and without sulphites. Portland proposes ecotours in its surroundings. Which is also surprising it is in Portland, many restaurants grow their fruits and vegetables on the roofs. We are all for organic food. its cities on a humanscale now make americans dream seeking a better quality of life in harmony with nature. In fact, in few hours drive, we passcanyons and desert highlands, 584km of wildlife coast, with luxurious vegetation, blond sand and sugar loaves. And between the two there are snow capped peaks, volcanos, dunes and lava deserts and thick forests...
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With a total area exceeding 210 000 Km2, USA have the largest natural surfaces in the world tanks to its National Parks. In the ranking established by Global Wildlife Travel Index (GTWI), whose first place is occupied by Finland, USA have always occupied a prominent place. The area allocated for environmental protection, the ecological stability, the biodiversity, the beauty of landscapes and efforts made by the authorities to protect the planet are all determining criteria for this ranking. Thus, you are several posibilities that offer themselves to you to discover the ecoturism in USA. So, now you should choose thosebest match you according to duration of your stay and itinerary.
Let's start the Green adventure!
