Portland has hired London-based Malcolm Reading Consultants to run a national design competition for the Bowl at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The move advances plans backed by Metro funding.

A new 681-acre open space on Castle Rock's edge will open this summer with roughly 15 miles of hikers-only trails and new trailheads. Phased openings will protect fragile habitat and archaeology.

A 250‑pound black bear fell asleep in a Falcon home's basement window well and was safely relocated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A hive moved into a Lambert Street sewer and a local beekeeper installed a trap to coax the colony out; the live removal could take weeks. Neighbors have blocked the spot while they wait.

Three Rivers Land Trust is racing to buy up to 4,000 acres around Tuckertown Reservoir to keep shoreline and boat ramps public.

Out-of-state vehicles now pay $15 per day at Colorado state parks starting May 1. Coloradans can use a $29 Keep Colorado Wild pass or pay about $10 daily.

Firefighters and a park arborist spent nearly nine hours extinguishing a smoldering blaze inside a Golden Gate Park tree near Fulton Street.

An underweight male manatee calf was found near John Pennekamp in Key Largo and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for intensive rehabilitation.

Harris County crews have begun removing volunteer-built ramps and jumps from Cypresswood and Cypress Creek as flood-control projects proceed, prompting anger from riders and new talks with GHORBA.

Two large alligators were filmed in a Metairie canal near West Esplanade and Severn Avenue. State wildlife officials say enjoy sightings from a safe distance.

Monsoon Bay's ribbon-cutting is set for May 18. Middletown residents will get $5 child and $10 adult day passes under a 20-year YMCA agreement.

CAL FIRE announced $70 million in grants aimed at fuels reduction, prevention education and planning across California. The funding targets public outreach and on‑the‑ground hazard reduction.

One year after a $160M makeover, the Davis Center at Harlem Meer has drawn more than 170,000 visitors and reshaped Central Park’s north end.