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Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393 MOOSE, WY —The National Park Service (NPS) will celebrate the 99th anniversary of its founding on Tuesday, August 25. To celebrate Founder's Day, Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees, as will all other national park units across the country. Special programs, listed below, will also be offered throughout the day in Grand Teton. The event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the NPS Centennial. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the NPS. Today, there are 408 national park units throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to learn and have fun.
In honor of the anniversary, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation created a list of 99 ways for visitors to enjoy their park. The list includes a wide range of activities that visitors can take part in at Grand Teton such as: go climbing (#1), go on a ranger-led tour (#11), raft down a river (#63), and watch wildlife (#93). Visit findyourpark.com/nps99 for the complete list. The park encourages visitors to post a picture or video of their experience on social media using the hashtags #findyourpark and #mygtnp.
"Founder's Day provides an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on the accomplishments of the last 99 years while connecting with the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates," said Superintendent David Vela. "I hope people celebrate with us by taking advantage of the free entrance, special programs, and all that Grand Teton National Park has to offer."
The Founder's Day events will be the kick-off of Grand Teton's year-long celebration of the NPS centennial. Visitors and community members can look for special events and celebrations throughout the year leading to the NPS 100th anniversary on August 25, 2016.
Special Events in Grand Teton on Tuesday, August 25, 2015
7:00 a.m. Morning Walk to Phelps Lake
Experience the beauty and peace of early morning at Phelps Lake on this 3 mile, 3 hour loop hike. Meet at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve porch. Space is limited;reservations can be made by calling 307-739-3654.
9:30 a.m. Mountain Men of Jackson Hole
Join a ranger to learn about legendary men such as Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith, and Davey Jackson who were in Jackson Hole in the 1820s-30s. Dressed in mountain man gear, this ranger will tell their stories and demonstrate some of their skills. 45 minutes. Craig Thomas Discovery &Visitor Center (CTDVC) courtyard.
12:00 p.m. 99th Birthday Party
Enjoy birthday cake at all visitor centers and sign a birthday card for the National Park Service!
12:30 p.m. Nature Music and Wild Stories
Join Docent Dan from The Murie Center as he shares stories of the adventures of Olaus and Mardy Murie, leaders in the conservation movement, along with original songs celebrating nature. Dan is also known as Dan'l the Acoustic Storyteller and his travels have taken him to many National Parks to entertain visitors. 30 minutes. CTDVC courtyard.
4:00 p.m. Our National Parks: The Stephen Mather Story
Join a Park Ranger -- who will be wearing a circa 1930s NPS uniform—to learn how Stephen T. Mather influenced the founding of the National Park Service. The program will also celebrate how your National Parks promote our country's appreciation and heritage for preserving and enjoying these iconic places. 45 minutes. CTDVC auditorium.
5:00 p.m. Evening Discovery Hike at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Join a ranger for an evening walk to share conversation about the unique gift of the Rockefeller Preserve. 5-8pm, 3 miles. Meet at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve porch. Space is limited; reservations can be made by calling 307-739-3654.
9:00 p.m. Our National Parks: The Stephen Mather Story
See above description. 45 minutes. Colter Bay amphitheater.
—NPS—
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Last updated: August 21, 2015