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Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393 MOOSE, WY —In celebration of National Park Week, Grand Teton National Park will have free entrance April 16-April 24, and will host various interpretive and educational activities including a Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 23. National Park Week is an annual celebration of America's natural and cultural heritage. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, this year's celebration theme is "Find Your Park." The celebration is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate and support America's national parks.
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela said, "National Park Week is a great time to celebrate this wonderful resource we have in our backyard." Vela said, "I hope local families are able to join one of the many activities the park is hosting this week and be inspired to make a personal connection to the park and learn more about our rich natural and diverse cultural heritage."
The park will host field trips for most of Teton County fourth graders in support of the national Every Kid in a Park Program during National Park Week. Students will learn about the "making, breaking and sculpting of the landscape," or the geology of the park, through various visitor center and outdoor activities.
On Wednesday, April 20, Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela will lead a discussion regarding Latino history in the United States and the National Park Service at an event sponsored by the Wyoming Humanities Council ThinkWY. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Wort Hotel in Jackson.
Ranger-led sunrise programs about the sage grouse strut will be offered on weekends beginning Saturday, April 16 through Sunday, May 1. This activity provides an orientation to and observation of the spring mating ritual. Reservations are required by calling the park at 307-739-3399.
Junior Ranger Day will be Saturday, April 23 at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event will include opportunities to meet a wildland firefighter, climb aboard a giant snow-plow truck, explore a bear biologist's tools, dress up in a park ranger uniform, participate in fun and educational games and more. Local organizations will also be available to help families learn about living in the local ecosystem. The park and Grand Teton Association will host a special presentation by the Grammy Award-Winning Okee DoKee Brothers at 1 p.m. The brothers share their passion for the great outdoors through their bluegrass music. Kids of all ages are invited.
Banners celebrating National Park Week and the centennial of the National Park Service are on display throughout the town of Jackson. The banners were designed by the park and funded by Grand Teton Association. Banners will also be displayed in August to celebrate National Park Service Founder's Week.
—NPS—
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Last updated: April 25, 2016