Date: December 26, 2016
As the National Park Service embarks on its second century of service, John Day Fossil Beds is celebrating the significant accomplishments of its centennial celebration and engagement with the Find Your Park / Encuentra Tu Parque initiative. Special events were offered throughout the year, including wildlife hikes and tours with scientists, geology tours, and night sky programs. Staff engaged with the local communities and participated in parades, fairs, and other outreach events. Still on display at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is original artwork depicting the unique beauty of the John Day area. Fifteen artists from across the Pacific Northwest were inspired by the landscape and their mediums included photography, watercolor, fiber art, and mixed media. You can read more about our Centennial successes at https://www.nps.gov/joda/getinvolved/2016.htm.
“We are excited that a record number of visitors experienced the amazing resources of John Day Fossil Beds during this NPS Centennial year!” said Superintendent Shelley Hall.
Looking Ahead: Find Your Park in 2017 and Preparing for a Second Century of Service
Planning is underway to build on the success of Find Your Park / Encuentra Tu Parque as the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and other partners will continue the campaign’s momentum in 2017. The Find Your Park movement will continue to engage new audiences, especially around significant moments, including National Park Week in April and the NPS 101st birthday in August. Throughout the year, the NPS and its partners will invite the public to explore parks they haven’t yet discovered, build personal connections to special places in their communities, and find ways to help ensure that future generations are able to fully experience their national parks and the NPS programs that steward America’s treasures.
More information about the success and long term legacy of the NPS Centennial is available online here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/success.htm.
