"Connecting our Children to America's National Parks"

Celebrate National Park Week April 22-30
 

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Children and families are the focus of National Park Week 2006. The National Park Service (NPS) is "Connecting our Children to America's National Parks" to help children and their families discover the surprising world of history and nature that awaits them in 390 of America's most special places.

President George W. Bush proclaimed National Park Week to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature and our shared history.

"Children play a vital role in the future of America's national parks," said NPS Director Fran Mainella. "Not only are they our future rangers, biologists and historians; they are the same people who will care about these places and preserve them for their own children. Through the connections they make to the national parks, they will understand and appreciate the natural environment and our national heritage, and they will definitely have some fun along the way. This is one of the NPS' foremost legacy goals for the 21st century -- ensuring parks remain relevant to young people now and for future generations."

Director Mainella is celebrating National Park Week by visiting:

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, Louisiana, Saturday, April 22. The NPS will honor and thank volunteers who have donated thousands of hours to help their national parks and their neighbors through Take Pride in America.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, Louisiana, Sunday, April 23-Director Mainella will tour the hurricane damage to Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery and the Barataria Preserve.

John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, Massachusetts, Tuesday, April 25 (morning)-Director Mainella will tour the park, meet with employees, and greet visitors.

Boston National Historical Park, Massachusetts, Tuesday, April 25 (afternoon)-Director Mainella will participate in a partnership event with the National Park Foundation and Ball State University to conduct a live Electronic Field Trip to Carlsbad

Caverns National Park in New Mexico. With 37 million participants, the field trip marks the largest-ever simultaneous virtual visit to a national park.

Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 26-Director Mainella will present the annual Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award, which honors the national park ranger, chosen by his or her peers, that epitomizes the esteemed traditions and duties of rangering.

Edison National Historic Site, New Jersey, Friday, April 28-Director Mainella will participate in an event with the Department of Education to announce the Teacher to Teacher initiative.

Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey, Saturday, April 29-Director Mainella will tour Washington's Headquarters Museum, Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense, Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade units.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Pennsylvania, Sunday, April 30-Director Mainella will tour the site and unveil the first-ever "Welcome" sign for the park.

"It is my privilege each spring to join in the celebration of National Park Week," said Director Mainella. "National parks tell the stories of America, and are living examples of the best our Nation has to offer. This year, I invite everyone to take a child to visit a national park and open the door for today's youth to connect with the rich heritage of these wondrous treasures."

About National Park Week: National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed week of celebration and recognition of national parks across the country, offering diverse opportunities for U.S. citizens and international visitors to explore and learn about this Nation's unique natural, cultural, and recreational heritage. For details on National Park Week events that will be held at your nearby or favorite park, you can visit our web site at www.nps.gov/npweek . 

About the National Park Service: The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. In 2005, the National Park Service played host to more than 273 million visitors, created nearly $12 billion in revenue for the U.S. economy and supported 246,400 local jobs in gateway areas.