Writer and historian Wallace Stegner called national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

During the month of September 2009, Grand Teton National Park will celebrate the legacy of the National Park Service with special events, volunteer opportunities and previews of the film: The National Parks: America's Best Idea, a film by Ken Burns.

Learn about the National Park Service and preview the film online here.

2009 EVENTS (all events subject to change).

September: Ask for a copy of the National Park Foundation's magazine Go Parks that includes information on the Ken Burns film.

Sept. 3: Ken Burns Film Debut @ the Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY with guest speaker Julie Dunfey, associate producer of the Burns film. Free.

Sept. 2-6: National Parks Film Festival @ Colter Bay Visitor Center and Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center auditoriums. Selection of national park-oriented films. Free.

Sept. 12: Old Bill's Fun Run @ Jackson Town Square, Jackson, WY. Ranger naturalists staff the event providing information and activities. Free.

Sept. 14-18: Untold Stories Film Festival @ Colter Bay and Craig Thomas visitor center auditoriums. Selection of Florentine Films shown. Free.

Sept. 20: Programs for Latino visitors with an interpreter @ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, activities include hike with Junior Ranger back packs. Free.

Sept. 24: Book Club Discussion @ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. Book discussion for Creating the National Parks: the Missing Years by Horace Albright and Marion Albright Schenk. Free.

Sept. 26: Public Lands Day @ Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Watch the 45-minute film This is America followed with a variety of volunteer projects to choose from, and ending with a picnic at the visitor center, sponsored by the Grand Teton Association. Free.

Sept. 27: The National Parks: America's Best Idea film premiere @ the Jackson Lake Lodge, Explorer's Room. Live broadcast on HDTV screen of the PBS film. Free.

VOLUNTEER
Learn how you can get involved with Grand Teton National Park volunteer opportunities here.

BECOME A MEMBER/DONATE
Contribute to Grand Teton National Park by joining the Grand Teton National Park Foundation or making a donation. Support our cooperating association by becoming a member of the Grand Teton Association or shopping at the Association bookstore.