Rangers to Present Free Public Programs in Honor of Founders Day

Date: August 21, 2014
Contact: Kristin Gibbs, Supervisory Park Ranger, [phone]

Superintendent John J. Donahue invites the public to celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service with several free special programs planned for August 23.The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area became a national park service site in 1965 and is one of the 401 units of the national park system. "The United States was the first country in the world to set aside its most significant places as national parks for preservation and enjoyment," said Donahue." That is something worth celebrating." Celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service with several free special programs planned for August 23.

Founders Day Programs on August 23 include:

Girls Fish Too! Girls of all ages are encouraged to join park rangers from 10 am to 2 pm at Hidden Lake on Hidden Lake Drive to learn and practice basic fishing skills and fish identification. Equipment will be provided or you can bring your own gear. Participants under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license. Participants 16 and over are required to display a valid PA fishing license. Licenses cannot be purchased at the site.

Mt. Minsi Hike Join a park ranger for a guided hike to Lookout Rock on Mt. Minsi. The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip over moderately rugged terrain and will last about 2 hours. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.This program is especially suited for those new to hiking as the ranger will cover hiking basics and safety information.Meet at the Mt. Minsi Trailhead in the Lake Lenape Parking Area off Mountain Road in the borough of Delaware Water Gap, PA, at 9 am.

In addition to these special programs, regular public programs are on-going throughout the season and include:

Waterfall Walks are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm at Dingmans Falls Visitor Center. These walks last about an hour and take participants along a ¼-mile boardwalk trail through a cool, shaded hemlock ravine to Silverthread and Dingmans Falls. Waterfall Walks will be offered until September 3 when the site will close for road repairs.

Evening Campfire Programs are presented at Dingmans Campground off Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry, PA, at 7 pm every Friday and Saturday evenings through August 31 and on Saturday evenings through September 27.Topics vary but will include wildlife, plants, geology, and history of the park. Participants should bring a blanket or chair to sit on. These programs are open to the public, but non-campers should check in at the campground office upon arrival.

For more information on these and other park programs and events, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/dewa, or call Park Headquarters at [phone], Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm. Dingmans Falls Visitor Center can be reached at [phone] and Kittatinny Point Visitor Center can be reached by calling [phone].