Take the Cape Cod National Seashore 50th Anniversary Challenge

Date: June 13, 2011
Contact: Sue Moynihan, Chief, Interpretation and Cultural Resources Management, 508-957-0738
Contact: Dick Spokes, President, Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore, 508-255-2597

With the stroke of a pen in 1961 President Kennedy signed the Cape Cod National Seashore Act to "preserve the natural and historic values of a portion of Cape Cod for the inspiration and enjoyment of people all over the United States." Since then, countless visitors and Outer Cape residents have discovered the resources, places, and events that make the national seashore special.

In honor of the national seashore's 50th anniversary, Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore has developed an anniversary challenge treasure hunt. "While there are no hidden 'pieces of 8,' we want visitors and neighbors to discover some of the lesser-known places that are gems within the seashore," said Friends board member and Eastham resident Betsy Richards. Superintendent George Price said, "We all have our own special places that we return to again and again. This information scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to discover all of the areas that exemplify the diversity of the seashore's beauty, resources, and history."

Friends board members devoted several months to developing the 80-question challenge hunt. The questions are contained in a booklet available at the two national seashore visitor centers, and can also be downloaded from www.fccns.org.The challenge hunt involves visiting 18 areas in the national seashore between Eastham and Provincetown to find answers to the 80 questions. Participants can mail their responses to Friends by October 1, 2011 to be eligible to win prizes.

Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore was established in 1987 to support the educational, environmental, historical, recreational, and scientific purposes of Cape Cod National Seashore.The organization raises public awareness of the national seashore; sponsors campfire sing-alongs, education programs, and musical performances; provides volunteers for maintenance and resource protection projects; and raises funds for the benefit of the national seashore. Currently, Friends is raising $180,000 to furnish the interior of Old Harbor Life-Saving Station to its 1902 appearance.To learn more about Friends, visit www.fccns.org.

For more information about Cape Cod National Seashore's 50th anniversary, visit www.nps.gov/caco.

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