National Public Lands Day

Date: September 21, 2012
Contact: Carol West, [phone]

Check out the Ruins for Free on National Public Lands Day, September 29
And Discover Your Connection to the Parks

Coolidge, AZ - Casa Grande Ruins National Monument will offer free visitor admission on Saturday, September 29 for National Public Lands Day, along with all 397 national park sites. Why should you come this day in particular? Superintendent Karl Cordova invites everyone to visit the Monument stating: "Normally, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument charges an entrance fee of $5.00, but on National Public Lands Day we welcome everyone to honor and enjoy this national treasure located in their own backyard for free. National Public Lands Day is also a day to celebrate the thousands of volunteers across the country who contribute their time to help maintain and preserve these special places."

At 2:00 p.m. Volunteer Coordinator Diane Garcia will present a special program on how you can make a difference in the national parks. From volunteering at Casa Grande Ruins to taking advantage of national opportunities through the Volunteer Senior Ranger Corps, Student Conservation Corps and other groups, this special presentation will teach you how to find your special place and preserve it. Teens and adults will learn about special projects, improving their speaking skills, internships for all ages, interacting with others, and how to become part of something nationally important without dues, meetings, and pomp.

"National Public Lands Day reminds all of us of the vast and diverse nature of America's open spaces, from small neighborhood parks to large national parks, and the importance of each one," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "We are fortunate that more than 600 million acres of public land, including national parks, provide all of us with cherished places where we can go to unwind, recreate, or learn." The 19th annual event encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Visit www.nps.gov for a list of parks and information to help plan your park adventure.

Western National Parks Association (WNPA) supports the national parks through book and gift sales in their store in Casa Grande National Monument's visitor center. WNPA will offer 15% off of all sales, including sale and clearance items on National Public Lands Day

So come to Casa Grande Ruins for a free visit and to learn more about your National Public Lands. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the multi-story 'Great House' and the ruins of other ancient structures built by the people of the Sonoran Desert over 800 years ago. The Monument is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument's website or you may call [phone].