Over 70 members of the National Park Travelers Club met for the club's eigth annual convention at El Malpais National Monument on the first weekend in August.

The event was held at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center in Grants. On Friday, members enjoyed a ranger-led hike out to the Bat Cave at El Calderon to watch bats fly out in the evening, with astronomy and star gazing also happening at the El Calderon trailhead.

The convention meeting took place on Saturday and Platinum Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Carol De Boer and Frederick Pierson for visiting 392 park units. Guest speakers then discussed cave bacteria and Route 66, followed by club business sessions and the President’s Dinner in Grants.

Sunday found members taking part in a ranger-led hike around Inscription Rock at El Morro.

The National Park Travelers Club is a 501c7 nonprofit organization founded in 2004 dedicated to providing networking and recognition opportunities for visitors to America’s national parks. Anyone wishing to join can visit the club website at www.parkstamps.org and download a membership application.

Contact Information
Name: Leslie DeLong
Phone Number: 505-285-4641 X18
Email: leslie_delong@nps.gov