Date: April 16, 2009
National Park Service News Release
FOR RELEASE: April 16, 2009
CONTACT: National Park Service, 252-473-2111
Celebrate National Park Week! National Park Week is April 18-26, 2009
During this year’s National Park Week, April 19-27, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group invites the public to experience their national parks across the country, and those here on the Outer Banks; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The national park system has been described as “the best idea America ever had”. National parks preserve majestic natural wonders. They keep watch over valued sites and artifacts of our American culture. National park sites offer recreation and discovery in some of the most unique areas of our country’s landscape.
“I urge you to explore our Outer Banks Group parks” stated Superintendent Michael B. Murray. “Whether you seek active recreation, immersion into the natural world or intellectual stimulation, our parks offer exceptional experiences.”
During National Park Week, you can learn of how our world was changed by two brothers at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Take time to enjoy Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean and soundside beaches – take in their natural beauty and sounds. You can hike trails at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, not only for exercise, but as an exploration through the same woodlands traveled by our country’s first English visitors.
A great way for kids to learn about national parks is through the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program. Along the Outer Banks, children can actually become three different kinds of junior rangers: a Seashore Ranger at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a Flight Ranger at Wright Brothers National Memorial, and a Roanoke Ranger at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Just go to the visitor centers located at these national park sites, and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to get started. These Junior Ranger programs are designed for ages 5 to 13. Children who can not visit the parks can still become a park ranger via the web by visiting www.nps.gov/webrangers.
Special programs during National Park Week include: a Lost Colony presentation at noon daily at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site; the first full week of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climbing season, open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and daily programs at Wright Brothers National Memorial at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
For a fun and free way to learn more about the National Park Service during National Park Week, you can take a free on-line course titled Introduction to the National Park Service: Its History and Mission. This 30-40 minute course, available at www.eppley.org, is designed for anyone who has an interest in the National Park Service. Completion of this course can provide teachers with 0.12 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits.
National Park Week is an annual presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of Your National Parks.
-NPS-
