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Date: April 16, 2008
Contact: Dave Kronk, 906-387-2607, ext. 206

(MUNISING, Mich.) On Saturday, April 26, Ranger Dave Kronk will lead a nature hike along the Sand Point Marsh Trail for children of all ages and their families. The one-hour hike will begin at 10 a.m. Participants should meet Ranger Kronk at the Sand Point Marsh Trail at the end of Sand Point Road, about 4 miles northeast of downtown Munising.

This hike is in honor of National Park Week - April 19-27 - a presidential proclamation to encourage citizens to celebrate and visit our national parks. The theme for National Park Week this year is Kids in Parks.

Current research, as noted in the recently published book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder” by Richard Louv, explains that children are spending less time playing outside than any other time in our history.

“It is time to turn that trend around,” says Kronk. “Join me for this one hour hike through the marsh to look for wildlife and signs of spring.” Ranger Dave will have information for parents on other ways they can help their children explore, learn from and appreciate the outdoors.

A “National Junior Ranger Day” will also be held on Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Junior Rangers should meet Ranger Kronk at Park Headquarters, located at N8391 Sand Point Road near Munising. The event is open to any current and former junior rangers at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There will be a short hike and learning games including “Instincts for Survival.” This program is part of a nationwide celebration almost all 392 units of the National Park Service, honoring our Junior Rangers – future caretakers of these national treasures! Cake and juice will be served at the conclusion of the event.

To register your Junior Ranger for the event, please contact Ranger Dave at 387-2607, extension 206, or by email.