News Release

Military Appreciation Day Saturday June 30

Date: June 7, 2018
Contact: Jeff Wolin, (719) 748 - 3253 ext. 202

Military Appreciation Day at Florissant Fossil Beds, Saturday June 30, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

On Saturday June 30, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will be hosting a Military Appreciation Day for the military community. All US Active Duty Military and their families will receive a free pass to all national parks and monuments in the United States. Throughout the day, the Monument will be offering ranger guided programs. In addition there will be live music and a Geology Boot Camp for Kids.
National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America's national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later.
The National Park Service preserves and shares the stories of the American military over the last three centuries. Our National Park System provides opportunities for our military community to connect to the beautiful landscapes, to enjoy recreation, to heal, and to learn about the places and history they defend.
Activities for Military Appreciation Day:
Wildflower Hike, 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM, join a ranger for a guided hike to see what is blooming
Interpretive Talk, 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, 30 minute interpretive presentation in the amphitheater

Ranger Guided Walk, 11:00 AM, 1 mile guided hike on the Petrified Forest Trail

Fossil Learning Lab, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, learn how scientists discover and research fossils in the Yurt

Hornbek Homestead, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, take a tour of an 1878 homestead

Geology Boot Camp for Kids, all day, Participate in a hands on geology activity and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.
Live Music, 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Join the Fourth Infantry Band for a live concert in the amphitheater

There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call [phone] or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov