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Grand Canyon National Park
Ranger Minutes - Windows Media
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(The Apple Quicktime version of this page is available here

Ranger Minutes are short audiocasts or videocasts in which a park ranger shares interesting stories and information about Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more about the the nature, science, history and culture of the canyon with a park ranger as your guide.

While visiting Grand Canyon National Park, attend a free Ranger program or guided walk. Downlad the current schedule here.

iPod, and iPhone Owners... These podcasts are available for free download from the Inside Grand Canyon Channel on the iTunes Music Store.

 

Birders, Listen to our 2008 Birding Report Audio Podcast here>
North and South Rims of the park by Ranger-Naturalist, Marker Marshall (Duration 8:35)
http://www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/upload/GRCAbirding2008.mp3 (5.89MB mp3 file)
(transcript in preparation)

Come See the Milky Way in the National Parks - Summer 2008 Audio Podcast here>
by Dr. Tyler Nordgren, University of Redlands Astronomer and Volunteer in the Parks.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/upload/milkyway.mp3 (2.74MB mp3 File)
Download the Transcript (16.5MB PDF File) Astronomy in America's National Parks
 
Ranger Lori talking about wolves and ravens.

Teamwork in the Natural World
In the natural world, when plants and animals benefit each other we call it a symbiotic relationship. In this Ranger Minute, Ranger Lori gives us some examples found in Grand Canyon National Park.

Ranger Minute - May 2008 - 2:53 Duration

Windows Media Player         Quicktime Player      

 


 
Microclimates below the rim near Yaki Point on the S. Rim
South Rim Microclimates

Grand Canyon Microclimates
Little pockets of moisture and coolness exist just over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and create completely different life zones. Ranger Dave Smith tells about Microclimates and how they continue to preserve plants that once were widespread here 10,000 years ago - when this area was much cooler.

Ranger Minute - April 2008 - Duration 2:47

Windows Media Player      Quicktime Player


 
Colorado River cutting Grand Canyon

How Did The Grand Canyon Form ?

Ranger Andy and the Grand Canyon Elementary School third graders show you a Grand Canyon Dance, the "Rockarena," a fun and exciting way to understand how the Grand Canyon got here.

Ranger Minute - April 2008 - Duration 2:54

Windows Media Player    Quicktime Player


 
Yavapai Observation Station on the South Rim.
Yavapai Observation Station

The Yavapai Point Trailside Museum was created in 1928 for the observation and understanding of Grand Canyon geology. In this Ranger Minute, Ranger Paul Mayer takes us on a virtual tour of the museum's new exhibits and shows some of the geological features that can been seen through the large picture windows.

Ranger Minute - Sept. 2007 - Duration 3:10

Windows Media Player       Quicktime Player



 
Painting of Tusayan Pueblo by Roy Andersen.
Painting by Roy H. Andersen
Daily Life at Tusayan Pueblo
A Visit to Tusayan Ruin and Museum provides a glimpse of Pueblo Indian life some 800 years ago. In this Ranger Minute, Ranger Brian Gatlin provides an introduction to these ancient people who called Grand Canyon "home." How was their life similar to ours today? 

Tusayan Ruin is located three miles west of Desert View and is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ranger Minute - March 2007 - Duration 2:40

Windows Media Player          Quicktime Player


 
mountain lion in tree
NPS Photo by Elaine Leslie
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)

Ranger Minute - Mountain Lions
(Puma concolor, also called cougars or pumas) inhabit the canyons and forests of Grand Canyon National Park and are the region's only remaining large predator. Surprisingly, very little is known about this secretive animal’s behavior, range, and habits. In this Ranger Minute, Park Ranger Lori Rome shares some interesting facts.

Ranger Minute - March 2007 - Duration 3:26

Windows Media Player--         Quicktime Player 



 
Looking across at the rock layers of the canyon.
NPS PHOTO BY MICHAEL QUINN
View from Mohave Point (West Rim)

How Old is the Grand Canyon? 
Ranger David Smith describes how the rocks exposed within the Grand Canyon range from the fairly young to the fairly old. (geologically speaking)

If we could compress the age of the earth into one calendar year, on what day would the Grand Canyon have been formed?

Ranger Minute - March 2007 - Duration 1:52

Windows Media Player       Quicktime Player  


SWITCHBACKS ON BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL  

Did You Know?
Each year, thousands of hikers enter the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. They follow a route established by prehistoric people for two key reasons: water and access. Water emerges from springs at Indian Garden, and a fault creates a break in the cliffs, providing access to the springs.

Last Updated: August 01, 2008 at 13:42 EST