Kids and Adults Invited to Celebrate National Park Week at Olympic National Park

Date: April 18, 2008
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005

Olympic National Park invites visitors from both near and far to celebrate National Park Week, April 19 – 27.

“Spring is a great time to enjoy Olympic National Park,” said Olympic National Park Acting Superintendent Sue McGill. “Whether you participate in one of our special events, challenge yourself with an extended hike or simply sit and enjoy the scenery, we welcome you.”

National Junior Ranger Day and the Washington Coast Cleanup are both scheduled for Saturday, April 26. More information about each event follows.

Saturday, April 26 - National Junior Ranger Day
Children of all ages are invited to bring their favorite adult and come to the National Junior Ranger Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center.

“If you’re already a Junior Ranger, we hope you’ll wear your badge and be recognized for your achievements,” said McGill. “For all other kids, we invite you to bring your families and join in the fun on April 26 and become a Junior Ranger.”

Special activities are scheduled throughout the day, including four 40-minute ranger-guided walks at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 2:00, and fun games with a ranger at 10:45, 11:45, 12:45 and 2:15. Microscopes will be set up for in-depth views of insects and plants and an art table will feature the three main ecosystems of Olympic National Park. The Children’s Discovery Room will be open for play and exploration, and the park’s award-winning film will be shown. At 1:00 educator and musician Dan Lieberman will perform nature songs from his new CD inspired by Olympic National Park. Children and families are invited to come and sing along!

Children must be accompanied by an adult; all activities are designed to be fun and enjoyable for adults too.

Olympic’s Junior Ranger program is a special year-round way for children and families to experience and enjoy the park. Children complete Junior Ranger activity booklets, attend a ranger program and explore park nature trails to earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.

The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles. For more information, people may call 360-565-3146.

National Parks across the country are celebrating Junior Ranger Day with events and programs designed around the motto: Explore, Learn, Protect: Be a Junior Ranger. National Junior Ranger Day celebrates both new and experienced Junior Rangers.

Saturday, April 26 – Washington Coast Cleanup
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to celebrate National Park Week along Olympic’s beaches by participating in the Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 26.

“Thanks to the Washington CoastSavers, this event has grown beyond the Olympic National Park coast to include the entire state’s Pacific Coast,” said McGill.

Volunteers are invited to help with a wide range of tasks, including removing trash from beaches, carrying debris-filled trash bags from beaches to parking lots, greeting and orienting volunteers, and helping indoors with administrative tasks.

To sign up and to learn more, people should visit the CoastSavers website.

The Washington Coast Cleanup is sponsored by the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, a partnership of eight founding members including the Grass Roots Garbage Gang, Lions Club International, Northwest Interpretive Association, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic National Park, Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, Surfrider Foundation and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

For more information about visiting Olympic National Park.