National Park Week 2012

Junior Rangers show off the certificate and patch

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 20, 2012 Lassen Volcanic National Park entrance fees will be waived April 21 to 29 with added Junior Ranger Discovery Hunts, Green Junior Ranger programs, and a snowshoe hike in celebration of National Park Week, coinciding with Earth Day and Junior Ranger Day. "The week of free entry will be in addition to the other scheduled fee-free days which include: Outdoors Day on June 9, National Public Lands Day on September 29 and Veterans Day Weekend November 10 through12," said Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz. The fee-free dates do not include other fees for camping, reservations, or use of concessions.

National Park Week is celebrated to engage families and communities in America's Great Outdoors,reconnect them with nature, and create close-to-home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun. Superintendent Koontz stated, "During National Park Week and throughout the year, Lassen Volcanic National Park will offer activities that promote physical well- being in support of First LadyMichelle Obama's Let's Move Initiative." A ranger-led snowshoe hike will take place on Saturday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

Celebrate National Junior Ranger day on April 28 where junior rangers can earn a special "National Junior Ranger" patch by completing activities at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center or at the Redding Whole Earth and Watershed Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Redding City Hall Sculpture Garden and Community Room, 777 Cypress Ave. in Redding.

Sunday April 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. The National Park Service reinforced its commitment to go green with the recent release of its Green Parks Plan. The Green Parks Plan lays out nine ambitious goals focusing on a variety of environmental issues. For more information about the sustainability goals of the National Park Service, please visit www.nps.gov/greenparksplan. Lassen Volcanic National Park strives to make every day Earth Day on a park wide scale. In 2011, Lassen Volcanic National Park employees clocked over 827 hours sorting materials, diverting 44 tons of recyclables from landfills. "Every visitor can help our sustainability efforts by using the park's recycle receptacles," added Superintendent Koontz.

The 2012 spring road opening has begun at Lassen Volcanic National Park. A ten-mile section of the scenic road will open Saturday morning April 21 to vehicle traffic on the Manzanita Lake side of the park. "The road to the Devastated Area provides excellent opportunities for visitors to snowshoe, cross-country ski, play in the snow, or picnic against the backdrop of Lassen's spectacular views," stated Koontz.

Spring can still bring significant snowfall and the road may be closed for short periods during lingering snowstorms. Although weather in the valley is mild, visitors should still prepare for winter conditions by dressing in layers, bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, extra water, food, as well as vehicle chains and blankets. Visitors need to stay clear of snowplows working in the park as equipment operators may be unable to see or hear them

The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open currently from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For further information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at [phone].