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Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111
April 21-29, 2012 is National Park Week and National Park Service Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray invites the public to experience their national parks across the country and 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 urge you to explore our Outer Banks Group parks" stated Murray."Whether you seek active recreation, immersion into the natural world, or intellectual stimulation, our parks offer exceptional experiences."
During National Park Week, 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.A special 30-minute program--It's National Park Week!-will be offered at 2 p.m. on Tuesday April 24 and Wednesday April 25 at the Ocracoke, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers, and Fort Raleigh visitor centers; and at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center on Sunday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m., Monday, April 23, and Tuesday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m.
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. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at Wright Brothers National Memorial during National Park Week.While entrance fees for passengers in both private and commercial vehicles will be waived, recreation "user fees" such as permit fees, camping fees and lighthouse tour fees are not waiver.Entrance fees are not charged at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site or Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Additional fee-free days scheduled for 2012 are June 9 to celebrate Great Outdoors Day, September 29, National Public Lands Day, and November 10-12 to commemorate Veterans Day. For information on visiting the Outer Banks Group parks, please visit the park's websites at www.nps.gov/caha, www.nps.gov/wrbr, and www.nps.gov/fora, or by calling 252-473-2111. -NPS- |
Last updated: April 14, 2015