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Contact: Abby Plucienkowski, 305-230-1144, x012
Be part of an unprecedented event on September 26 when Biscayne National Park and national parks across the country invite you to make America’s Best Idea – the national parks – even better. Presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, it will be a special day of service and celebration for visitors and volunteers to experience their parks and catch a sneak peek at Ken Burns’s new documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea premiering on PBS on September 27.
"We are excited about the opportunity to greet old friends and welcome new visitors to explain how Biscayne National Park is part of America’s Best Idea,” said Superintendent Mark Lewis. “Making that best idea even better is our goal and one we can only accomplish with the support of our visitors, volunteers, and partners.”
Following last weekend’s International Coastal Cleanup in which volunteers removed hundreds of pound of trash and debris from park shorelines, Biscayne National Park will host a Junior Ranger Day beginning at 10:30 a.m.. Participants will work with park rangers to gain deeper insights into the park’s fragile resources. At 11:30 a.m., there will be a preview of the new Ken Burns film The National Parks: America’s Best Idea that premieres on September 27. After completing all the requirements, families can enjoy a “bring-your-own” picnic lunch. Afterwards, kids will be awarded a Biscayne National Park Junior Ranger badge and enjoy lemonade and cupcakes from Sweetcakes to celebrate their achievement.
The event is free and open to all, but thanks to the National Park Foundation, the park also received funding to provide two buses to transport potential Junior Rangers and their families from traditionally underserved communities on a “Family Field Trip” out to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center to take part in the festivities. At the end of “Junior Ranger Day,” buses will travel on to the Sweetvine-sponsored Environmental Fair at Harris Field in Homestead, rounding out a full day of environmental awareness and fun. Similar events in the future will allow participants to continue their efforts at other South Florida National Parks, earning more badges and the coveted South Florida National Parks Junior Ranger patch.
The Biscayne National Park event is just one of many occurring in the national parks across the country. The nationwide program is cosponsored by the National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org), the National Park Service’s Congressionally-chartered philanthropic partner. See www.nps.gov/September26 for more information.
The event takes place at Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center, located at 9700 SW 328 Street, 9 miles East of Homestead, Florida. For more information, call 305-230-7275. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015