Just about every cause, association, trade and food has it’s own day. (Did you know today is National Eggs Benedict Day?) Other organizations have their own week, such as today’s topic, National Park Week, April 21 – 29, 2012. This year’s theme is “Picture Yourself in a National Park.”
It puts a little pep in my step knowing this ode to America’s treasures is around the corner. (Since I spent 10 years living and working in three national parks.). It’s an excuse for city slickers to embrace their inner tree-hugger, strap on a backpack and venture into their favorite national park – free of charge!
Yup, National Park Week means free admission into ALL 397 parks during this special week and some parks are hosting special programs such as:
Canyon De Chelly National Monument (Ariz.) – A host of free hikes in to the canyon and special programs are planned. Sign up sheets are available at the Visitor Center. Visit the Canyon De Chelly National Monument website for additional information.
Mammoth Cave National Park (Ky.) – Free cave tours are being offered. Contact: 270-758-2417 or visit the Mammoth Cave National Park website for details.
Yosemite National Park (Calif.) – All week the National Park Service and DNC Parks & Resorts Yosemite will be offering a host of programs to celebrate Earth Day and National Park Week including Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk, Sustainable “Salad Bar Tasting, and a Twilight Stroll (has nothing to do with Edward or Bella). Visit the Yosemite National Park website for additional information.
Now I admit, I probably won’t have an opportunity to enjoy a national park since I’ll be on the road again for work but while I’m in New York this week, I’m planning to visit African Burial Ground National Monument.
Visit www.nationalparkweek.org for additional events and to learn more about National Park Week. If you can’t get out to a national park I suggest you check out Ken Burns’s documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea on DVD or Blu-Ray. It leads you on a historical journey in establishing and protecting our national parks.
Do you have a favorite national park? And will you visit one during National Park Week?
This post is part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Check back daily for a different letter!
Very interesting .. you have some fantastic National Park over there. We have too – but only up in the North. On the other hand we have a law that says that the country belongs to everybody. So we can walk in any forest we want – even private or stated owned. It’s called – Allmansrätten – “Everyman’s right” is a right for all people to travel across private land in the countryside, to temporarily reside there, such as picking berries and mushrooms. With the right follow the requirements of consideration and care towards nature and wildlife, to landowners and to other people.
Love your photo – what an interesting job you had !!