National Park Service Founders Day is August 25

Date: August 18, 2011
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

Thursday, August 25, 2011 is National Park Service Founders Day and National Park Service Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray invites the public to experience their national parks across the country and those here on the Outer Banks; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.Special Founders Day programs will be offered at each site.

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, creating the National Park Service.The purpose of the Service, as identified in the Act is "... to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."Founders Day is celebrated each year on August 25 in all of America's national parks to honor the creation of the National Park Service.

"I invite you to explore our Outer Banks Group parks" stated Murray."Whether you seek active recreation, quiet reflection, or opportunities to learn more about our natural and cultural resources, our parks offer exceptional experiences."

On Founders Day, you can attend programs and learn of how our world was changed by two brothers at Wright Brothers National Memorial.Take time to enjoy Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean and soundside beaches - take in their natural beauty and sounds.You can hike trails at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, not only for exercise, but as an exploration through the same woodlands traveled by our country's first English visitors.

Special Founder Day programs being offered include:

·Meanings of the National Park Service - Join us for an interactive program on the history of the National Park Service and the significance of the National Park Service Arrowhead - 11 a.m. at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island Visitor Centers, and 2 p.m. at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Hatteras Island Visitor Center, Wright Brothers National Memorial Pavilion, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Visitor Center.

·First National Seashore Beach Walk - Join a park ranger for a special beach walk that celebrates the founding of the National Park Service while enjoying the beaches of our nation's first national seashore! - 3 p.m. at Bodie Island-Coquina Beach adjacent to Ramp #2, Hatteras Island-Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Old Lighthouse Site, and Ocracoke Island-beach parking lot across from the Pony Pens.

Kids are invited to participate in each park's Junior Ranger program and earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a workbook and attending programs."Becoming a Junior Ranger is a fun way for children to explore and learn more about our national parks and how they can help protect these important sites," stated Murray.

Along the Outer Banks, children can actually become three different kinds of junior rangers: a Seashore Ranger at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a Flight Ranger at Wright Brothers National Memorial, and a Roanoke Ranger at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.Just go to the visitor centers located at these national park sites, and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to get started.

Children can also become a Fort Raleigh Web Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge through the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/fora.Children just need to print out the worksheets, fill them in with the answers and mail the worksheets to the park.

Children who cannot visit a national park site in person are invited to take part in the national "WebRangers" activities at www.nps.gov/webrangers.On WebRangers, kids can explore more than 40 activities, view park webcams, and share their park stories and pictures.

For a fun and free way for everyone to learn more about the National Park Service on Founders Day, you can take a free on-line course titled Introduction to the National Park Service: Its History and Mission.This 30-40 minute course is designed for anyone who has an interest in the National Park Service.Completion of this course can provide teachers with 0.12 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits.

The national park system has been described as "the best idea America ever had."National parks preserve majestic natural wonders.They keep watch over valued sites and artifacts of our American culture.National park sites offer recreation and discovery in some of the most unique areas of our country's landscape.

For more information, call 252-473-2111 or visit the park websites at www.nps.gov/caha, www.nps.gov/wrbr, and www.nps.gov/fora.