Free Park Admission and Special Events during National Park Week, April 16-24

Uncle Rex and silversword--the CCC member we will talk story with on April 23. This is Uncle Rex in the mid 1930's while he was a CCC boy

NPS

News Release Date: April 12, 2016

Contact: Polly Angelakis, 808-572-4450

Celebrate the Centennials of Haleakalā NP and the National Park Service during National Park Week, April 16 through 24. Entrance fees will be waived all week.

Special Junior Ranger programs will be offered on Saturday, April 23, including talks, walks, cultural demonstrations, and a “Talk Story” with former Civilian Conservation Corp member, “Uncle Rex” Ornellas, who also turns 100 this year.

April 23: Headquarters Visitor Center: “Talk Story with Uncle Rex”
During the 1930’s Great Depression, President Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in order to employ young men. Known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army,” the CCC employed almost 3 million men, planted over 3 billion trees, and conserved 800 natural areas nationwide during its nine-year history. At Haleakalā, crews planted native species, removed exotic species, and built the cabins and trails still used today.

Alvin “Uncle Rex” Ornellas worked on the first crew stationed at Haleakalā in 1934. Join Uncle Rex at the Headquarters Visitor Center (at 7000 feet of elevation) from 10am-12pm, ask him what life was like as a “CCC boy,” and wish him a Happy Birthday! Numerous current-day youth conservation groups were inspired by the CCC so young people are especially encouraged to participate and bring their questions. To commemorate the CCC’s legacy, keiki will plant silverswords with Uncle Rex. In addition, the 6th grade chorus from Seabury Hall will sing "We Can Plant a Forest" by Jim Papouis and Mike Greenly.

April 23: Kīpahulu Visitor Center: Hana No`eau (Honoring Native Hawaiian Traditions)
From 1pm-3pm in the Kīpahulu district (a one-hour drive past Hana) park staff and partners will teach and share weaving, poi pounding, and other cultural practices.

“Junior Ranger Day is a fitting time to share with young people the natural and cultural legacies passed down to us from previous generations, especially during our Centennial,” said Chief of Interpretation Polly Angelakis. “It is always a gift when today’s keiki directly learn from the wisdom and experiences of kupuna.”

Other events include walks, talks, and short volunteer activities. Activity times and locations will be posted at all visitor centers.

National Park Week is a great opportunity to explore the countless ways there are to #FindYourPark and to ‪celebrate ‪#‎HaleakalaNP100‬. Visit www.nps.gov/…/celebrate-our-centennial-the-100th-anniversar…to learn more other Centennial events taking place in 2016.