“EXPLORE, LEARN, PROTECT”

Shenandoah National Park Sponsors Junior Ranger Day - April 25, 2009

Have you ever put your hand into a bear’s footprint? Have you ever been so close to an owl that you could look it in the eye? Have you ever talked to a wildland firefighter? Here’s your chance!

Shenandoah National Park has special activities planned for National Junior Ranger Day. The program is designed to help children and families connect with parks in ways that engage them with the theme, “Explore, Learn, Protect: Be a Junior Ranger.”

Most of the programs are open to visitors of all ages. Special “Junior Ranger Day” buttons and certificates will be available.

In addition to the special activities, the park will offer its regular schedule of ranger-led programs. You can find more information about each program by clicking on the links below. Activities meet at Byrd Visitor Center, Milepost 51 on Skyline Drive, unless otherwise noted. There is no charge for the programs, and there’s no need to register.

Shenandoah National Park National Junior Ranger Day Program Schedule April 25, 2009
Time	Description	Location
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Byrd Visitor Center open: Exhibits and information.	Milepost 51
9:00 – 9:20 a.m.	Kids Corner Ages 2-6. Discover what it’s like to have a bug’s life! Children must be accompanied by an adult.	Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Touch Table Get a feel for nature’s diversity.	Byrd Visitor Center
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.	Birds of Prey Program Here’s your chance to meet live raptors, face to beak!	Meet at Big Meadows Amphitheater
10:00 a.m. - noon	Stony Man Hike Hike up to a rocky viewpoint on Shenandoah’s second-highest peak.	Meet at Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7)
11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.	Bells and Whistles! Meet a law enforcement park ranger.	Byrd Visitor Center
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Discovery Hike Be amazed at what you can find in an hour’s time.	Meet at Byrd Visitor Center
1:00 - 1:25 p.m.	Wild About Bears Learn about the lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammal.	Byrd Visitor Center
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.	More Bells and Whistles! Check out our fire truck!	ByrdVisitorCenter
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.	Junior Ranger Program Ages 7-12. Explore nature through fun, hands-on activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.	Meet at Byrd Visitor Center
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.	Historic Massanutten Lodge Tour the carefully restored 1911 bungalow of Addie Pollock.	Meet at Skyland Conference Hall (mile 41.7)
7:30 - 8:15 p.m.	Picture Shenandoah Join a ranger for a fascinating look at Shenandoah National Park.	Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium

National Junior Ranger Day is part of National Park Week, April 18-26. Special programs are being held at national parks around the country. Check out what other parks are doing by going here.