- State: TX
- NPCA Region: Texas
- Est. Date: 1935
Air Quality Conditions
View the Polluted Parks ReportVisibility
Unsatisfactory
Health
Unsatisfactory
Nature
Significant Concern
Big Bend National Park features broad expanses of Chihuahuan Desert shrubland and grassland interspersed with smaller areas of high-elevation woodland in the Chisos Mountains. Rugged rocks and deep canyons along the Rio Grande are among the park's most striking features; wetlands and springs add to the park's biological diversity. Visitors can explore the rugged trails, seek out the colorful array of birds and wildflowers, and spread out on a blanket after dark enjoying some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Birding at Big Bend
Recognized as a world famous birding destination, this park is visited by or home to more than 350 different species of birds.
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Blog Post
7 Dream Destinations Worth Planning For
The pandemic is restricting travel for many people — but extra time stuck at home now could mean more extensive preparation for an epic park adventure when conditions are safe…
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Press Release
EPA Approves Weak Texas Haze Plan, Promoting More Air Pollution for our Communities and National Parks
The agency charged with protecting public health and our environment continues to go to great lengths to weaken our nation’s clean air laws.
My Park Story
Greetings from Big Bend National Park
Big Bend was the very first National Park j was ever dragged to. At the time I did not understand why my father was so fascinated with places like this. Why should I care about this mountain range, or the plants littered along its base. Now I realize the importance…
More about Big Bend
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Read more about Don't Divide Our Habitats, Ecosystems and Communities
NPCA at Work Don't Divide Our Habitats, Ecosystems and Communities Oppose new walls and fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Read more about The Backroads of Big Bend
Land Based Trip The Backroads of Big Bend From the mystical desert town of Marfa to the rugged Chisos Mountains, we will explore this diverse landscape and dive deep into the region’s cultural history. Experience one of the wildest corners of America as you paddle the Rio Grande, gaze at magnificent dark skies, explore the Southwest’s best surviving frontier military post and witness NPCA’s regional work all alongside expert guides.
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Read more about Celebrate Dark Skies at These 27 National Parks
Blog Post Celebrate Dark Skies at These 27 National Parks Lay out a blanket after the sun goes down and see a clearer view of the universe at these designated dark-sky parks.
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Read more about Testimony: Border Wall Issues Forum
Policy Update Testimony: Border Wall Issues Forum Written testimony of Christina Hazard, NPCA Associate Director for Government Affairs, before the House Committee on Natural Resources at the Border Wall Issues Forum on January 15, 2019.
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I can't think of any place more enjoyable. One forgets all cares and woes in the natural beauty of such places. Photo opportunities are limitless. — Barbara
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Read more about Your Favorite Park Photos and Stories
Blog Post Your Favorite Park Photos and Stories People around the country have shared some of their most poignant and intriguing moments in national parks on NPCA’s recently relaunched MyParkStory site.
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Read more about Position on H.R. 4760 & H.R. 6136
Policy Update Position on H.R. 4760 & H.R. 6136 NPCA submitted the following position to members of the House of Representatives ahead of floor votes expected on June 21, 2018.
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Read more about A Land Divided
Magazine Article A Land Divided How would a border wall affect national parks?
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Read more about Position on Funding the Border Wall
Policy Update Position on Funding the Border Wall NPCA submitted the following position to the Senate ahead of votes scheduled for February 15, 2018.
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Read more about EPA Does Nothing to Clean Up Texas Haze
Press Release EPA Does Nothing to Clean Up Texas Haze Revised plan fails to require modern pollution controls on Texas coal plants.
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Read more about Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding
Blog Post Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding Find out which national park sites have the most bird species, with a highlight of what you might see at each place.
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Read more about Need an Escape? 10 Cozy Places to Stay in National Parks
Blog Post Need an Escape? 10 Cozy Places to Stay in National Parks Craving solitude or looking to plan a romantic retreat? A private room in the heart of one of the country's most spectacular landscapes could be the answer. Check our staff picks for cozy lodgings in breathtaking national parks.
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Read more about A Rare Tuft
Magazine Article A Rare Tuft Can grass nerds save an extremely rare grass that lives high in the mountains of Big Bend National Park?
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Read more about Polluted Parks: How Dirty Air is Harming America’s National Parks
Report Polluted Parks: How Dirty Air is Harming America’s National Parks “Polluted Parks” graded the pollution-related damage in the 48 national parks required by the Clean Air Act to have the highest possible air quality.
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Read more about Polluted Parks: Fact Sheets
Fact Sheet Polluted Parks: Fact Sheets Haze pollution limits views of our most valued national parks and wilderness areas, affecting not just how far we can see, but also the color, sharpness, and quality of the view. It also makes the air unhealthy for people, wildlife and natural resources.
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Read more about Texas Pride
Report Texas Pride This report profiles the 13 national park sites here in Texas, visited annually by nearly 5.5 million people. They are the pride of our state and economic boons to local communities, with national park tourism providing nearly 5,000 jobs and $308 million annually for state and local economies.
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Read more about Center for State of the Parks: Big Bend National Park
Report Center for State of the Parks: Big Bend National Park In this report, the National Parks Conservation Association incorporates findings from an assessment by its State of the Parks program to describe the current condition of Big Bend National Park’s natural and cultural resources and many of the stewardship challenges ahead.
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