Families looking to get away for the Veteran’s Day holiday this weekend may consider a free option — the national parks. Entrance to all national parks and forests will be free of charge from Nov. 10-12, and many will be offering special activities. Although 264 of the 398 parks across the U.S. don’t charge an admission fee, attractions like Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon can charge $20 per car. This is the last free day this year. Visit the National Park Service to plan a visit.

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service have developed two apps to help manage aerial and ground-based pesticide applications. Users can key in specifics on the type of equipment and pesticide they are using. The app displays the droplet size that will result from that setup and allows users to tweak settings to generate the desired droplet size. A recent survey showed smartphone usage on the rise as more than 50 percent of aerial applicators reported using them as their primary mobile device. The apps are available in the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market by searching “aerial sprays.” Read more.