News Release

National Public Lands Day 2019

NPS/S. Wilson

News Release Date: September 11, 2019

Contact: Mike Capps, 812-937-4541 X 107

The National Park Service in partnership with the students and staff of Heritage Hills Middle School will observe National Public Lands Day at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial on Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Central time. The event will highlight volunteerism and the good fun and good health of outdoor exercise. Dr. Stanley Tretter, Chief Medical Officer of Memorial Hospital and Officer of Spencer County Health will be our special guest.

Activities will consist of an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the living historical farm picnic pavilion and parking lot followed by park ranger guided hikes on three of the park’s trails. Students from the Heritage Hills Middle School Hiking Club will demonstrate the fundamentals of wellness, safety and trail courtesy as they become National Park Trail Ambassadors and learn about the natural and cultural resources of their neighboring national park.

The public is invited to attend, especially all park neighbors and visitors who use the trails. Also invited are first-time park visitors who would like to learn about the features and routes of each of the park's five trails and begin an outdoor fitness routine. 

The park staff is currently designing improvements to the Lincoln Boyhood Trail in order to make it fully accessible for visitors of all abilities, disabilities, and preferences. Feedback about physical and intellectual accessibility is welcomed the day of the event and at any time by calling or emailing the park with comments.

National Public Lands Day will also commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the beginning of farm operations at the Lincoln Living Historical farm. Visitors are invited to participate in hands-on learning activities that demonstrate pioneer life and the home and family activities of Abraham Lincoln's childhood.

For more information about Public Lands Day activities and trail accessibility, please call the park at 812-937-4541.