Hello again!
Welcome back to the Namekagon River Visitor Center.
My name is Ranger Nicky.
Have you been to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?
If you have, there's a pretty good chance you think this is a special place.
I know I sure do, and the people that came before you and me have as well.
In fact, over fifty years ago people from all over the country came together and decided
to protect this special place.
But why?
What do you find special about this park?
For me, it's the scenery.
But not only what you see, what you hear, and what you smell, and what you feel.
We're going to take a look at that today.
Why is the scenery of this place so special?
First, I want you to take five seconds and just notice your surroundings.
What you see, what you smell, what you hear, and what you feel.
I'm going to do the same.
So, here we go.
What did you notice?
What did you hear?
Did you smell anything?
What I noticed were the bright lights up above, lots of different exhibits, displays, information.
I heard some cars driving by on the highway.
I didn't really smell much.
Now we're going to take a look at a video I recorded a few weeks ago when I was out
on the river.
I want you to see how it makes you feel, what you see, what you hear, really pay attention
to that.
So what'd you think?
Did you see any lights?
Did you hear any cars passing by on the highway?
I know you can't smell or feel a video, but when I watch it it brings me right back to
my time on the water when I could smell the pine trees and feel the wind at my back.
This is the reason these rivers were protected.
To allow us to have these experiences, to view wildlife in its native habitat, to hear
the sound of wind blowing through trees without, the distraction of noise on the highway.
These are really special places for that reason, and that's why they were protected.
So, next time you're here, take in all aspects of the scenic beauty this park has to offer.
After all, that's the reason these rivers were set aside for us to enjoy.