Saturday, April 25 is National Junior Ranger Day at Olympic National Park; Kids & Adults Invited to Join the Fun!

Date: April 17, 2009
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005

Children of all ages are invited to bring their favorite adult and come to the National Junior Ranger Day celebration anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles.

Activities are scheduled throughout the day, including a special opportunity between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to meet several of the park’s pack mules. Visitors arriving during that hour can meet the mules and learn more about their important role in maintaining Olympic’s 600-plus miles of wilderness trails.

Junior Rangers will also have the opportunity to work with park botanists, re-potting native plants that have been grown in the park’s greenhouse. Each year, park staff uses thousands of native plants to restore damaged areas within the park. Junior Rangers who participate in this activity will have the chance to bring a native plant home.

In addition, four 40-minute ranger-guided walks at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30.

Microscopes will be set up for in-depth views of insects and plants, the Children’s Discovery Room will be open for play and exploration, and the park’s award-winning film will be shown.

“This will be a fun-filled day for kids and adults, and a great way to celebrate National Park Week while learning more about Olympic National Park,” said Park Superintendent Karen Gustin. “We invite young people to bring their favorite adult on April 25 and enjoy becoming a Junior Ranger.”

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 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. More information is available by calling the park at 360-565-3146.