New Children’s Exhibits at Lassen Volcanic National Park Visitor Center

Date: October 28, 2016
Contact: Steve Gibbons, 530-595-6102

Mineral, CA – Two new interactive children’s exhibits encourage Lassen Volcanic National Park’s youngest visitors to explore natural history and sustainability. “Providing hands-on activities is a great way to engage our next generation of park stewards,” stated Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons.  “The new energy challenge activity helps kids understand how much energy they use as a result of choices they make every day. Other activities in the exhibit connect that energy use to visible changes in the park.”

Located in the year-round Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, the two learning stations are aimed at youth ages 4 to 11. Each station offers a variety of activities that provide young visitors with opportunities to create a deeper connection to the park through learning.

One station introduces young visitors to the park’s natural history. Kids can learn about the nearby red fir forest by using their senses, discover the important role of insects by drawing their own, and learn about adaptation by examining animal skulls. The second learning station challenges young visitors to see how their choices impact their energy use, explore the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and investigate the cause of Lassen’s changing climate. The sustainability station also features artwork from volunteer local youth artist Audrienne Osborne.  Her illustrations provide a colorful representation of the park and are also included in the Junior Ranger Activities Booklet.

Visitors are encouraged to check out the new children’s exhibits along with our all-ages interactive watershed sandbox at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, open 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday.

Visitors should also be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Check the most recent weather forecast, dress in layers, carry food and water. Stow a shovel, extra blankets and tire chains in your vehicle in case unexpected winter road conditions delay your travel.

For more information, please contact the park at 530-595-4480 or [e-mail].

Visit us at www.nps.gov/lavo, on Facebook www.facebook.com/LassenNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/LassenNPS, and YouTube www.youtube.com/LassenNPS.