A "No Child Left Inside" Program at Lassen Volcanic National Park Offered to Connect Families With the Wonders of the Winter Season

Date: January 3, 2007
Contact: Steve Zachery, 530-595-4444 x5132

A "No Child Left Inside" Program at Lassen Volcanic National Park Offered to Connect Families With the Wonders of the Winter Season.

Here is an opportunity for families to learn a new recreation that is great exercise and amongst the beauty of nature. Snowshoe walks will be offered on Saturdays near the Southwest Entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park from January 6 through April 7. “These winter programs are a great way to get outside, learn how to snowshoe, and learn about the park’s winter season,” stated Superintendent Mary G. Martin.

Author Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature – Deficit Disorder,” has increased interest in our country to help reconnect children with the natural world. He says studies show that enjoying nature reduces kids’ loneliness, depression and attention problems.

Snowshoeing is a great opportunity to get children outside to learn and explore their national park with a ranger. The walks can provide a stimulating experience in a season when many people, especially children, tend to stay inside. The snowshoe walks are a fun activity that gives everyone who participates an opportunity for exercise and involvement in the great outdoors. There is also plenty of snow for snow play activities.

The ranger- led walks are for both adults and children ages 8 years and older. Meet the ranger at the small building in the southwest parking area at 1:30 p.m. The walks will last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. For safety reasons, infants and children in carriers are not permitted. The walks vary in route and distance depending on the group, weather, and snow conditions. Snowshoes are provided for children and adults during the ranger- led walks for a $1.00 maintenance donation. Dress in layers for winter conditions and wear boots. These walks are for individuals and families; organized groups interested in scheduling Saturday morning snowshoe programs can call (530) 595- 4444, extension 5133.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open year- round even though the road is closed by snow during the winter. The roads to the Southwest Entrance and to the Loomis Ranger Station at the North Entrance will be kept open. Restrooms, but no water is available in the southwest area. Heated restrooms and water are available near the Loomis Ranger Station. Day- use visitors need to self- register at the southwest parking area information board or outside the Loomis