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Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005 Contact: Rainey McKenna, 360-565-2985
Olympic National Park, together with National Park Service sites across the country, will waive entrance fees April 22 through 26 in celebration of National Park Week. Special events are also planned as part of this week, including Barn Day and the Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 20 and National Junior Ranger Day at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center on Saturday, April 27. Washington Coast Cleanup Volunteers may help with a variety of tasks, including running volunteer check-in tables, transporting collected debris to local dump sites, and even holding barbeque celebrations after the Coast Cleanup. "Olympic National Park is grateful to the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to look after and protect our coastline," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. "Volunteers make the Washington Coast Cleanup a reality, and make a difference every day at Olympic.We extend our appreciation to each one." To sign up for their favorite beach and learn more, people should visit the Washington CoastSavers website at www.coastsavers.org/washington. Barn Day The event will feature workshops on packing, trail equipment, leave-no-trace and trail etiquette. Participants may not be accompanied by stock animals. The Elwha Barn is located on Whiskey Bend Road off of Olympic Hot Springs Road, approximately seven miles west of Port Angeles. For additional information about Barn Day, please contact Larry Lack, Olympic National Park Trail Supervisor at larry_lack@nps.gov or 360-565-3178. National Junior Ranger Day The Junior Ranger Day celebration is free and is open to children of all ages accompanied by an adult.It will be held at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Junior Ranger Day activities are designed to be fun and enjoyable for adults too. "This year National Park Week is particularly special, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary as a national park," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. "Junior Ranger Day provides a great opportunity for children of all ages and their families to experience and learn about one of our country's oldest national parks and most treasured places." Special activities are scheduled throughout the day, including 30-minute ranger-guided walks at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Space on these walks is limited and people should sign up for them when they arrive at the visitor center. Microscopes will be set up for up-close looks at insects and plants, the Children's Discovery Room will be open for play and other activities will be offered.Junior Rangers who complete enough activities can earn National Junior Ranger Day prizes. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., several of the park's pack mules will make a special appearance.Junior Rangers will have an opportunity to meet the mules and learn about the important jobs they do in keeping the park's 600-mile trail system in good condition. Olympic's Junior Ranger program is a 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 on Olympic's Junior Ranger Day, people may call 360-565-3146. --NPS-- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015