Be a Junior Ranger in the Park

Date: August 27, 2014
Contact: Jodi French Burr, 304-574-2115

Glen Jean, West Virginia, August 26, 2014—Did you ever want to be a Junior Ranger? This weekend, earn your Junior Ranger badge and certificate through fun activities and a guided hike. Ranger-guided walks in area national parks provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surround us and the people who shaped our past. All ranger programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend's featured ranger programs:

Saturday, August 30, 2014:

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond's historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Snakes Alive!

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. 15 minutes to 1 hour.  Meet at Grandview's Main Overlook area. Come and go as you please for this informal program about snakes. See who is who of West Virginia snakes, debunk some myths, plus learn how to best be around (behavior) these slithering creatures. No live snake will be at this program, unless they show up on their own.

Be a Junior Ranger!

2:00 pm –4:00 pm. Meet at Grandview Visitor Center. Children of all ages have the opportunity to become a Junior Ranger and earn the official Junior Ranger badge or patch. Spend the afternoon with a ranger to learn more aboutHealthy Parks, Healthy Livingand take a guided hike.

Sunday, August 31, 2014:

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond's historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

For more information about area National Park Service sites visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, or stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center.