Date: July 18, 2009
Contact: Sue Walter, 928-524-6228 x233
Petrified Forest, AZ―Petrified Forest National Park is offering even more special programs this summer!
July 20th–8 am and 10 am
Wildlife in the Wilderness Hike: join ranger Alex Jones on a hike into the wilderness of Petrified Forest to discover reptiles and amphibians that live in the grassland. Meet at mile marker 24 pullout, 4 miles from the southern entrance of the park off Highway 180. Wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and use sun protection.
July 21st–10:30 am, July 25th–11 am, and July 29th –10:30 am
Artists of the Painted Desert Inn: join ranger Luny Hill for a tour of the National Historic Landmark and discover the creative people associated with this charming building.
July 25th and August 8th–5 pm
Wilderness Exploration: join ranger Alex Jones on a hike into the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. Meet at mile marker 24 pullout, 4 miles from the southern entrance of the park off Highway 180. Wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and use sun protection.
July 27th–10 am and 2 pm
Play with Clay—Ancestral Puebloan Pottery—Join ranger Trey and archeologist Jay for a hands-on activity talk at the Painted Desert Visitor Center to discover the many different styles of ancient pottery found at Petrified Forest, how it was manufactured and used.
August 2nd–10 am and 2 pm
Things to Do at Petrified Forest National Park: join ranger Liz Schweitzer for her presentation on all the amazing sights and fun things to do at the park. Meet at the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
July 21th and 28th—9 am and 4 pm
Fossil Hunt—Join ranger Nick Abbott for a discovery hike into the Tepees in search of fossils. Did you know that you are a steward of this park, too? Learn through this hands-on exploration of the fossils of Petrified Forest how you protect and preserve this precious place. Meet at the parking lot for the Tepees around 14 miles from the north entrance. Wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and use sun protection.
August 1st and 2nd—10 am and 2 pm
Hike into the Late Triassic—Join ranger Adrian Flores for an exploration of the geology and fossils at Blue Mesa, one of the most scenic parts of the park. Meet at the Blue Mesa Trailhead (the Blue Mesa loop road starts 16 miles from the north entrance). Wear appropriate shoes (paved trail), bring water, and use sun protection.
For more information call (928) 524-6228; or write to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028; or e-mail the park Superintendent at e-mail us. Our website has more news and press releases: www.nps.gov/pefo/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
