BOULDER CITY, Nevada -Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument are joining national parks, programs and partners across the country to encourage everyone to find their park and share their stories online at FindYourPark.com.
Launched March 30 by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, Find Your Park is a national public awareness and education campaign, celebrating the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and setting the stage for its second century of service.
"This is an exciting time for the National Park Service and our community," said Patrick Gubbins, acting superintendent, Lake Mead NRA."Find Your Park will re-introduce the world to America's 407 national parks, including our local national recreation area and national monument.
"We want you to find your park and share your experience," he added.
Beyond vast landscapes, the campaign highlights historical, urban and cultural parks, as well as the National Park Service programs that protect, preserve and share nature, culture and history in communities nationwide.
Find Your Park invites the public to see that a national park is more than a place. Parks generate feelings, a state of mind and a sense of American pride.
"There is something for everyone in our 407 national parks, whether it is the breathtaking landscapes or the historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our country," said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. "As we approach the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service, this is a perfect time for all Americans -especially young people -to Find Your Park, from neighborhood parks to national parks and all public lands in between."
Lake Mead National Recreation Area stretches 1.5 million acres across Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona. Known for its reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, the recreation area is a popular summertime destination for millions of water enthusiasts.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the nation's newest parks. Located just north of Las Vegas, the 22,650-acre park was established in December to preserve ice age fossils that are prevalent in the area.
In celebration of the Find Your Park kick-off, both parks are celebrating with multiple events.
April 11, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument will be holding its first volunteer clean-up near Horse Drive and North Aliante Parkway. Space is limited to 50 people. To register, call 702-293-8714.
April 11, Lake Mead NRA rangers will lead a three-island hike along the shoreline between Las Vegas Bay and 33 Hole Overlook. Call 702-293-8990 to register.
April 11-12, Lake Mead NRA rangers will hold a ranger chat at the visitor center at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to teach visitors about the wingspans of a variety of desert birds.
April 15, the National Park Service will kick-off the centennial celebration with Mayor Carolyn Goodman at the Las Vegas City Council Meeting.
April 18-26 is National Park Week
April 18-19, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks to celebrate National Park Week.
April 18, the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership interactive Explore RV will be parked at the Clark County Children's Festival at the Winchester Cultural Center. As kids walk through the RV, they'll learn about nearby public lands.
April 18, around 1,200 athletes will be racing through Lake Mead National Recreation Area for the BBSC Rage Triathlon. The race includes sprint, Olympic and half triathlon courses.
April 18-19, Lake Mead NRA rangers will hold a ranger chat at the visitor center at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to teach kids about outdoor fun and about ways they can get in touch with nature.
April 25 is Junior Ranger Day. Kids and their families are invited to the Boulder Beach picnic area where they will go through hands-on learning stations about desert reptiles, plants, water safety and more. Once through the stations, they will be sworn in as Junior Rangers. There will also be special appearances by Smokey Bear, Mojave Max, Rad Tad and Coastie, along with Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Bark Rangers Charlotte and Cooper.
April 26 is Science is Everywhere Day. To kick off the Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival, rangers will offer a behind the scenes tour of the Native Plant Nursery along with plant printing and plant adaptions programs. Tours are offered at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and are limited to 25 people. Please register by calling 702-293-8990.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
