White Sands National Monument - News Releases (U.S. National Park Service)

An Inter-agency Search Effort Successfully Rescues Lost Hikers
Alamogordo, N.M. - On Monday, January 9, 2012, at approximately 3:45 pm, White Sands National Monument received word that two visitors had been hiking within the dunes since 12:00 noon and were lost and unable to find their way out. Russell Vandameer and Karen Renshaw, both of Oklahoma, left to go hiking with their three dogs, Stitch, Suzy, and Griswald. After finding a suitably beautiful spot within the dunes, Vandemeer proposed to Renshaw. The newly engaged couple then attempted to hike back to their car, but were unable to find their way back. Rather than continue to wander, becoming more lost, they contacted a cousin via cell phone and requested that help be sent... Download the full press release.

White Sands National Monument to Host Fourth Annual Holiday Open House December 2

Alamogordo, N.M. - The public is invited to join in a special holiday open house at White Sands National Monument on Friday, December 2, 2011.

In what will be a spectacular holiday display for that night only, 500 luminarias will cast a warm glow on the historic adobe visitor center at White Sands National Monument. Complimentary light hors d'oeuvres, hot cider, and hot chocolate will be served. A hands-on children's activity will be offered, and live music by Bill Urban's band Strangers and Pilgrims will fill the night. In addition, last minute holiday shoppers can take advantage of a major sale at the park's gift shop and bookstore throughout the day and during the open house. Visitors are encouraged to bring canned food donations to help supply our local food banks during the holidays.

"The Holiday Open House is a great way to kick off the holiday season and share a wonderful evening with friends and family. Our national parks are a perfect place to create lasting memories," said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. "We hope to welcome many of our friends from the local community to share in holiday cheer with us."

The holiday open house will take place from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on December 2. For this night only, White Sands National Monument Dunes Drive will stay open until 9:00 pm, allowing visitors to enjoy a winter night in the dunes. Normally at this time of the year the monument is open from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm. Activities are both indoor and outdoor. Please dress accordingly.

Visitors with questions may call the park at 575-479-6124, ext 236. Download a copy of this press release.

National Park Service and El Paso Bike Club Partner to Host Free Kids' Bicycle Rodeo Event
On Saturday, November 5 th from 1 - 4 p.m. the National Park Service and El Paso Bicycle Club will co-host its first Bicycle Rodeo for Kids at Chamizal National Memorial. This event is free. Children wishing to participate will need to bring an adult, their bicycle, and a helmet. A limited number of helmets will be available for loan during the event for those children who don't have one. On-site registration will open at 12:30 p.m. on November 5th.

The purpose of this event is to teach children safe bicycle riding skills while also encouraging them to get outside, active, and enjoy their local national parks and other public lands as well as their own neighborhoods as part of the First Lady's "Let's Get Outside" Initiative. "We plan to set up several stations to target the most important cycling safety basics and skills including a helmet sizing and fit check station, basic bicycle maintenance and repair, proper hand signals, stopping and starting safely, riding in a straight line as well as the 'Crazy 8' and 'Snail's Race' courses," according to National Park Ranger Becky Wiles, the lead coordinator for this event and an avid cyclist. There will also be a celebration station where participating children will receive a special award for their afternoon's accomplishments. Instructors and event coordinators are certified by the American League of Cyclists. The National Park Service will also have an information table about other national park sites in the region.

The Kids' Bicycle Rodeo is being co-sponsored by Chamizal National Memorial, White Sands National Monument, and the El Paso Bicycle Club with support and donated helmets from Sharon National Park Service Hodges of Otero County Public Health. For questions or more information, please contact Event Coordinator Becky Wiles, Chief of Interpretation at White Sands National Monument at 575-479-6124 x230 or via email at Rebecca_Wiles@nps.gov or Anne Doherty-Stephan, Chief of Interpretation, Education and the Arts at Chamizal National Memorial at 915-532-7273 x124 or via email at Anne_Doherty-Stephan@nps.gov. Download a copy of Chamizal's press release.

White Sands to Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Fee Free Entry and Star Party
Alamogordo, NM - White Sands National Monument will be joining national park units across the country in celebrating National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on September 24 with fee free entry into the monument. In addition, White Sands will host a star party, offer a storewide discount in the monument's bookstore, and extend it hours from 7 am-10 pm.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 and is intended to encourage shared stewardship of our nation's public lands. Today, NPLD is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance federal, state and local public lands. White Sands will celebrate NPLD by partnering with the Alamogordo Astronomy Club to present a star party at the monument from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Western National Parks Association bookstore in the visitor center will offer 15% discount storewide in celebration of NPLD.

"White Sands could not host events like this star party without the support of our volunteers and community partners. National Public Lands Day is a day for everyone to enjoy their public lands and remember the valuable contribution that volunteers make to their public lands," stated Superintendent Kevin Schneider. "Join us this Saturday, September 24th for the star party. Enjoy an up-close view of the heavens and celebrate your public lands." Download the press release

New Museum and Film Unveiled at White Sands
For the first time in over 30 years, White Sands National Monument has installed all new museum exhibits in the park’s visitor center. The new state of the art exhibits tell the story of the geology of the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, the unique plants and animals that have adapted to it, and how humans have used White Sands throughout history. An all new high definition orientation film, entitled A Land in Constant Motion, complements the exhibits with stunning cinematography.

The exhibits three years in the making include interactive features for both children and adults. Kids can make tracks of kit fox and other animals in a sandbox, delve deeper into recent scientific discoveries through a touch screen computer, or explore the Tularosa Basin through a tactile three dimensional map. The exhibits are fully bilingual with English and Spanish text and are accessible for visitors with disabilities.

"Our new museum exhibits will help visitors better understand and connect with White Sands," said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. "White Sands is a spectacular outdoor classroom and these museum exhibits represent a treasure trove of learning."

The public is invited to a grand opening and ribbon cutting on August 3, 2011, at 3:00 pm. The grand opening will include the premier of the new orientation film and light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Children are invited to participate in the grand opening through Crafty Kids, a special ranger-led program in which kids will make their own kit fox puppets and earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Randy Granger, a Native American musician from Las Cruces, will also be performing his interpretation of traditional melodies and heartfelt music during an evening concert in the dunes to celebrate the new exhibits. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm August 3 at the evening program area in the Heart of the Dunes.

Both the gift store and the bookstore at the visitor center will also offer store-wide sales of 15% off for August 3 only. The visitor center will be until 8:00 pm for the day.

The exhibits were funded through revenue from the park’s entrance fees and gift store sales. The grand opening event is hosted in partnership with Western National Parks Association and White Sands Trading Company. Download a copy of the press release.

White Sands Named One of the Best Family Parks
Sun-News Report
Las Cruces Sun News
July 7, 2011

LAS CRUCES - White Sands National Monument was picked by Open Road Travel Guides as one of the best family-friendly national parks in its second edition.

The monument, located about 45 miles east of Las Cruces on U.S. Highway 70, was among 21 national parks chosen by Open Road's Best National Parks with Kids. The travel guide chose the parks that offer the best vacation for the whole family.

The 275-square-mile park contains the world's largest gypsum deposit. Visitors can picnic, play in the dunes or just walk around and relax. Sunset strolls are also held every evening, offering opportunities to see the plants and animals of the dune field. Also popular are the Full Moon Nights, with live music and educational programs.

Authors Permenter and Bigley include color photos and maps for each park. They also feature itineraries, family-friendly hiking trails and attractions. Web sources are also available for planning your trip.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is also featured in the new edition of Open Road's Best National Parks with Kids. Carlsbad Caverns is near Carlsbad and features more than 117 caves. For more information about White Sands National Monument, contact park information at (575) 679-2599 or go to nps.gov/whsa.

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