National Park Week 2014

Date: April 14, 2014
Contact: Dan Brown, 671-333-4051

Park Celebrates “National Park Week” and “National Junior Ranger Day”

War in the Pacific National Historical Park (NHP) is celebrating “National Park Week” and “National Junior Ranger Day” here on Guam with a variety of activities for the public. National Park Week is a presidentially proclaimed celebration of our national heritage, presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. This year, from April 19 – 27, YOU are invited to celebrate all that the park has to offer with the theme “National Park Week: Go Wild!” 

From diverse marine life and beautiful landscapes to learning about Guam’s rich history and culture, War in the Pacific NHP has something for everyone. During the week, park rangers and guest speakers will share special programs focusing on Guam’s environment and World War II legacy. See the attached schedule for details.

National Park Week places special recognition on our youths, who are the nation’s next generation of park stewards. On April 26, National Junior Ranger Day, War in the Pacific NHP invites young visitors to "explore, learn, protect" and be sworn in as junior rangers. The public is encouraged to stop by the park visitor center just outside Naval Base Guam main gate to pick up a free Junior Ranger Booklet. All kids and adults who complete the fun activities inside and return them to the visitor center on April 26 will receive an official Junior Ranger Badge and special commemorative Junior Ranger Patch.

For more information about “National Park Week” and to see what other national parks are doing, visit www.nationalparkweek.org. Connect with War in the Pacific NHP and share your “Go Wild” experience on our Facebook page at fbl.me/wapa! Get to know your national park on Guam during National Park Week, and go wild... for history... for nature... for wildlife... for fun!

Schedule of Events During “National Park Week”

Every day! Experience Your National Park! – The T. Stell Newman Visitor Center hosts spectacular exhibits and movies about the history and natural resources of Guam. The visitor center has an outstanding bookstore with publications on the Pacific War, local history, culture, and the best collection of videos with first person accounts of those who experienced the war. The bookstore is operated by Pacific Historic Parks, our supporting non-profit partner. Stop by and pick up our brochure and explore your national park. The visitor center is open every day from 9 am - 4:30 pm and is located just outside Naval Base Guam main gate.

April 19, Saturday: 2 pm Ga’an Point – “Sea, Sick” – The harmful effects of ocean acidification impact all who call earth home. Find out what is happening to the water around us, and what we can do to prevent further degradation. Meet at the restrooms. (30 minutes)

April 20, Sunday:  2 pm at Asan Beach –”Rising Sea Level” – Do you know how high the ocean will rise?  Meet at the restrooms and learn about the causes of rising sea levels and the changes the rising ocean will bring to Guam’s coastline. (30 minutes) 

April 26, Saturday: 2 pm at Piti Guns – “Guns Hike” – Meet at the Veterans Cemetery on Route 6 and we'll caravan to the hiking trail that leads to three large Japanese coastal defense guns. Although these are the only guns in their original positions protected by the park, we’ll discover another reason why they are particularly unique. (45 minutes)

April 27, Sunday: 2 pm at Visitor Center – “Science Sunday: Climate Change Forum” – We've all heard the terms climate change, global warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification, but what does all that really mean and what can we do about it? Join experts and community leaders; ask questions and learn what changes will occur on Guam. (One hour)

 – NPS –