News Release

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Launches B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Photo of young boy sitting on a log holding his dog's leash.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 16, 2023

Contact: Alicea Powell, 417 732-2662 ext. 266

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield News Release

4/13/2023
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Alicea Powell @ 417-732-2662, ext 266

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Launches B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

 3,2,1, lift off! Join Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield rangers and volunteers Saturday April 29^th to help launch our new B.A.R.K ranger program. 

  National Park sites are exciting places for pets to visit with their families while on a trip or in your own backyard. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit. B.A.R.K. stands for: Bag your pet’s waste; Always leash your pet; Respect wildlife; Know where you can go Complete your B.A.R.K ranger booklet to receive a special collar tag. Booklets will be available in the picnic area from 9-4, or at the visitor center desk after the launch.  

We will have local veterinarian, Dr. Rita Wittu, on site for "Visit with a Vet". Dr. Wittu will be in the picnic area from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to greet pets and their owners. Discussion topics will focus on ticks, Leptospirosis, heat, and good park stewardship with pets.   

 This program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative.

   To learn more about the B.A.R.K ranger program and other places your furry friend can go to become a super B.A.R.K ranger visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/bark-rangers.htm  

Entrance to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and all programs are free. For additional information or to request program accommodations please call the visitor center at [phone] x227. 

 In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled. Please call the park at 417-732-2662 ext. 227 or check the park website and Facebook page for program updates at www.nps.gov/wicr and https://www.facebook.com/Wilsons-Creek-National-Battlefield-140802912626881/.  

 About Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield: Administered by the National Park Service, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major battle of the Civil War in the West. The Confederate victory on August 10, 1861, focused greater national attention on the war in Missouri, leading to greater federal military action.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri at the intersection of Highway ZZ and Farm Road 182. 

 About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

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