May 2009

Parktips is a monthly compilation of newsworthy items and story ideas from the National Park Service. A new edition is posted on the first week of each month on our Internet site at http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/pressrm.htm -- Just click on the Story Leads link to access Parktips. You can view past issues of Parktips... You can also receive a personal copy of Parktips, via e-mail or fax, by registering at our World Wide Web site.

Sixth annual National Natural Landmarks photo contest is underway
(Nationwide) -- This contest ends on June 30, so don’t delay. The top 13 winning photographs will be compiled into a 2010 calendar, available to the public. Entries will be accepted through June 30, and winners will be announced in September. Please note: only photographs of designated National Natural Landmark (NNL) sites, most of which are not located within National Park units, are eligible for this contest. To learn more about the NNL Program, see a list of NNL sites and download the official contest rules and entry form, please visit: http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/. For more information, please contact Heather Germaine at 303/969-2945.

Battlefield cleans up at annual event
(Maryland) -- The annual Park Clean Up, sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust, was very successful this year at Monocacy National Battlefield. This year 120 volunteers removed 102 bags of trash, 17 tires and 6500 lbs of steel from several different locations within the park. Civil War Preservation Trust recently added Monocacy National Battlefield to the most endangered battlefield list report due to a proposed waste-to-energy facility that would include a 350-foot-tall smokestack and impact natural resources. For more information, please contact Cathy Beeler at 301/662-3515, ext. 26.

Spring Blooms hikes at Indiana Dunes
(Indiana) -- Join a ranger and explore Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for wildflowers and other signs of spring. Meet the ranger at national lakeshore’s visitor center at 1:30 pm. and carpool to the best blooms of the week. This program will take place every Saturday and Sunday in May except May 16. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219/395-8914. For more information, please contact Lynda Lancaster at 219/395-1682.

Bird watching in the fields and woods of the William Floyd Estate
(New York) -- In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, Fire Island National Seashore is hosting two free birding programs. The International Migratory Bird Day Walk starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday May 9. The Peak of Spring Migration Bird Walk starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday May 17. Visit the Seashore either day for an easy 3-hour, 2½-mile walk through varied habitats. Bring binoculars to find a variety of birds, particularly the neotropical migrants such as grosbeaks, warblers and vireos. For directions and event details please call 631/399-2030. For more information, please contact Paula Valentine at 631/687-4759.

Summer camps at Jean Lafitte
(Louisiana) -- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve offers day camps for kids at five of its six sites this June and July. Campers will share the history, cultures and natural world of south Louisiana through games, crafts, hikes and mini-workshops with local artisans this summer. Camp activities are keyed to specific park sites and include boat tours, storytelling, Cajun and zydeco music, cooking, canoe treks, the birth of jazz and a trip to Camp Coushatta where young tribal members will share Coushatta Indian traditions. Camp registration is limited to 24 campers per session. Camp details and applications are posted online at www.nps.gov/jela or by calling 504/589-3882, ext. 225. For more information, please contact Kristy Wallisch at 504/382-0296 .

Hands-on learning aboard 1891 national landmark scow schooner Alma
(California) -- Haul lines to raise sails as you explore San Francisco Bay on this 3-hour sail aboard the 60-foot scow schooner Alma. Boarding begins at 12:30 p.m., departing Hyde Street Pier at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, April through November. Rates: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $20 ages 16 and under, children under 6, free. Call 415-447-5000 for schedule and other information. For more information, please contact John Cunane at 415/561-7170.

Netherlands Carillon concert season opens
(Virginia) -- Every Saturday afternoon in May from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. guest artists play the 50-bell carillon at route 50 and the George Washington Memorial parkway in Arlington. On May 5 and May 25 visitors can climb the tower to watch the carillonneur perform and view rare scenes of Washington D.C. and surrounding areas. Carillon concerts are presented by outstanding carillonneurs on Saturdays and national holidays from May through September. For visitor information call 703/289-2500/2552 or search the concert listings at www.nps.gov/gwmp. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

Twilight Tattoo showcases military history
(Washington, D.C.) -- Twilight Tattoo, an hour-long sunset military pageant, features soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), troop, and ceremonial units: The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Drill Team; The U.S. Army Blues, a soloist from The U.S. Army Chorus and members of The U.S. Army Band Downrange. Performances at Historic Fort McNair start at 7:15 p.m. each Wednesday in May and are free to the public. Additional performances are scheduled in June and July. For information about group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at 202/685-2888. Additional details are posted at http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/index.html. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

Hands to work: Learning Center stewardship weekend
(Washington) -- North Cascades National Park staff, North Cascades Institute staff and volunteers will work at a variety of projects benefiting the Environmental Learning Center and North Cascades National Park on May 1 through May 3. A $40 fee covers the cost of food and lodging for the weekend. For more information, please contact Charles Beall at 360/854-7302.

Grand Canyon to host second annual Celebrate Wildlife Day
(Arizona) -- Learn about regional wildlife and about the work of wildlife biologists at the 2 nd annual Celebrate Wildlife Day at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim on Saturday, May 2. Indoor and outdoor programs about wildlife and related wildlife studies are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the Shrine of the Ages. An all day open house will showcase exhibits, touch tables, informal activities and book sales. The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center of Phoenix will provide educational demonstrations with live animals between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wildlife biologist, Robert Mesta, author of the book, Condor: Spirit of the Canyon, will present an evening program. For more information, please contact Shannan Marcak at 928/638-7958.

Family Day At Glen Echo Park
(Maryland) -- Celebrate the annual opening of the carousel at Glen Echo Park's Family Day, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy free entertainment and learn about the carousel through tours and photographs. Join a ranger for a carousel tour at 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. or a park tour at 2 p.m. Movies will be shown in the Visitor Center in the North Arcade building at various times throughout the day. For Family Day activities information, including carousel rides, please contact the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc. at 301/634-2222. For information about ranger-led tours or movies, please call 301/320-1400 or visit www.nps.gov/glec. Carousel rides: $1.25 each. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

Barbeque on the LBJ Ranch
(Texas) -- Relive the exciting Lyndon B. Johnson presidential years as the National Park Service recreates a 1964 Head of State barbeque on May 2, welcoming the President of Mexico to the LBJ Ranch. Visit with Mexican and U.S. dignitaries, friends and family. Enjoy the music of the Bret Graham Band, mariachis, dancing and delicious food from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations and information visit www.friendsoflbjnationalpark.org. For more information, please contact Sherry Justus at 830/868-7128, ext. 245.

Reptiles and Amphibians survey results outlined
(Florida) - On Sunday, May 3rd,Tom Mohrman will present the results of a three-year survey of the reptiles and amphibians of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Mr. Mohrman will show how geology and geography have shaped a unique and diverse community of animals. This presentation, starting at 2 p.m. in the William M. Colmer Visitor Center auditorium, is suitable for visitors of all ages and focuses on the over 51 different species found in the Park. For more information about Gulf Islands National Seashore and programs offered, call 228/875-9057, ext. 4100 or visit www.nps.gov/guis. For more information, please contact Susan Blair at 228/230-4106.

The British Invade Saratoga
(New York) -- On Saturday, May 9 th Revolutionary era British troops will invade Saratoga National Historical Park, to prepare for a new campaign season against the American rebels. Smell food cooking on open-hearth fires, watch soldiers drill, hear the crack of musket fire, talk with officers as they plan their strategies or take part in an historic court martial where visitors play judge and jury. Information is posted at www.nps.gov/sara. For more information, please contact Gina Johnson at 518/664-9821, ext. 227.

12th annual International Migratory Bird Day at Quarai
(New Mexico) -- Nested in the pinyon/juniper foot-hills of the Manzano Mountains, Quarai is a song-bird magnet in the desert landscape of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Hart Schwarz, neotropical bird specialist from the Cibola National Forest, will lead birding hikes throughout the day on May 9. Native American bird stories will be told, and kids of all ages will have the opportunity to make a bird mask. Visitors encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, hat, light jacket, sturdy shoes, water and binoculars if you have them.  Reservations are requested but not required. For more information, please contact Murt Sullivan at 505/847-2585.

Missouri River Cleanup
(South Dakota) -- Join local residents, river enthusiasts, Missouri National Recreational River staff and other state and federal agencies to help beautify the river. The annual Missouri River Cleanup will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 7 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will meet at the Yankton Riverside Park boat ramp. Refreshments will be served in the morning, and lunch will be provided after the cleanup. For details contact Mary Robb at 605/668-5211. For more information, please contact Michael Maddell at 615/214-3389.

NPS celebrates Train Day
(Across America) -- The National Park Service is joining Amtrak at several stations as they celebrate the spirit of our nation's railroads with Train Day on May 9. Park rangers and volunteers will staff information booths at several train stations including those in Albany, New York; Chicago; Havre, Montana; La Junta, Colorado; Los Angeles; Minot, North Dakota; New Orleans, Philadelphia; San Antonio, Texas; Seattle; St. Louis; St. Paul, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. to promote the NPS Trails & Rails program. The Trails & Rails Partnership Program places park rangers and volunteers on trains to share park information and to point out natural and cultural highlights on several regional Amtrak routes across the country. Additional information about the Trails & Rails program is posted online at http://www.nps.gov/trail&rails. For more information, please contact James Miculka at 979/733-7792.

140th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
(Utah) -- On May 10, Golden Spike National Historic Site will mark the 140th anniversary of the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. Anniversary events will include locomotive runs, reenactments of the last spike ceremony, live music and a Chinese lion dance. Judge Michael Kwan, American Chinese Community, will be the keynote speaker. Event details are posted in the calendar section at http://www.nps.gov/gosp/. For more information, please contact Tammy Benson at 435/471-2209, ext. 24.

Fire Island to host 7th Biennial Science Conference
(New York) -- Fire Island National Seashore will host its Biennial Science Conference at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Berkner Hall on May 11-12. Information and updates about the many scientific studies conducted within Fire Island National Seashore will be shared with the public, other scientists and government agencies. Reservations and registration fee, required by May 4 can be made by calling 631/687-5030 or online at www.nps.gov/fiis/scienceconference.htm. For more information, please contact Paula Valentine at 631/687-4759.

Denali National Park and Preserve opens for the season
(Alaska) --The days are longer, overnight temperatures remain above freezing, migrant birds are returning and seasonal employees have arrived. The Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center and Backcountry Information Center all open on May 15, and the 2 p.m. sled dog demonstrations begin this day. Find more information about shuttle bus services, tours, campgrounds, bookstore and dining services openings online at http://www.nps.gov/dena/. For more information, please contact Kris Fister at 907/683-9583.

North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to open for season
(Arizona) -- Highway 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on May 15 by 7 a.m. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence seasonal operations on May 15. Lodging, camper services, groceries and service station will open at 10 a.m.; the dining room opens at 11:30 a.m. The NPS Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Association bookstore, backcountry permit reservations and campground will open at 8 a.m. For opening day details, please call 928/638-7888. For more information, please contact Shannan Marcak at 928/638-7958.

Music Heritage Series at Indiana Dunes
(Indiana) -- Join the Save the Tunes Council and share in the celebration of old time music at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Tune up your vocal cords for a sing-along and gather on May 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the visitor center. For information about this program or other activities, call 219/395-8914. For more information, please contact Lynda Lancaster at 219/395-1682.

BioBlitz and biodiversity festival at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
(Indiana) -- Join the National Park Service and the National Geographic Society for Bioblitz, a 24-hour species inventory at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore starting at noon on Friday May 15. Participants must sign up on-line by May 4 to participate in the inventory or to volunteer with logistics. Find out more and sign up to participate at www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz. In conjunction with BioBlitz, the Biodiversity and Sustainability Festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 15-16 at West Beach. Find out what you can do to live a more sustainable life. Vendors and demonstrators will provide information on eco-friendly gardening, creating animal habitats, recycling and more. The Magpies will perform a post BioBlitz concert at 1 p.m. on May 16. See you at the BioBlitz! For more information, please contact Lynda Lancaster at 219/395-1682.

National Concert Band of America to perform at Harmony Hall
(Maryland) -- The National Concert Band of America will perform a free afternoon concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Visitors are encouraged to tour the first floor of the historic home and view exhibits prior to and during the concert. Gates open at 1 p.m.; glass containers, alcoholic beverages and barbecue grills are not permitted. Rain date is May 23.
For more information, please contact Bill Clark at 301/763-4600.

Spring Grove Cemetery walk
(Ohio) -- Ranger Kerry Wood will lead a two-mile leisure walk through some of Spring Grove’s prominent resting sites at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. Learn about President William Howard Taft’s family, friends, neighbors and other prominent citizens who helped shape Cincinnati and the country during this 1–1 ½ hour program at William Howard Taft National Historic Site. Meet at the main gate entrance to the cemetery, off Spring Grove Avenue. The tour will depart from outside of the Customer Service Center building. Take a free guided tour of the Taft home following the walk. Visit www.nps.gov/wiho for upcoming events. For more information, please contact Kerry Wood at 513/684-3262.

Living Lincoln series finale at Ford’s Theatre
(Washington, D.C.) -- On May 18, the Ford's Theatre Society will host the final presentation of its free Living Lincoln series, exploring many aspects of President Lincoln's personality and life through performances, panel discussions and staged readings. A reading of "Lincoln in Love," a new musical based on the film "Young Mr. Lincoln" will run 2.5 hours with intermission. Free tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at 202/397-SEAT or by visiting www.fords.org. Ticketmaster fees apply. For more information, please visit the website http://www.fords.org or call the Ford's Theatre Box Office at 202/347-4833. For more information, please contact Lauren Beyea at 202/434-9543

The Creek War and War of 1812 in the South Symposium
(Alabama) -- Partnering with Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughton Center for the Arts and Humanities, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting a two day symposium on May 22 and 23 entitled The Creek War and War of 1812 in the South. This event marks the first time scholars from the British, Canadian, Creek, Cherokee and U.S. perspectives will gather to give public presentations on the impacts of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on their national history. Symposium details and registration information are online at www.auburn.edu/CreekWar . For more information, please contact Marianne Mills at 256/234-7111, ext. 226.

Spring for Glacier and Saddle up for the Centennial
(Montana) -- Glacier National Park’s non-profit partners will host the 6th annual “Spring for Glacier” fundraising event on Friday, May 22. The “Saddle Up for the Centennial” pre-centennial gala event benefits the Glacier Institute, the Glacier Association, the Glacier National Park Associates and the Glacier National Park Fund. The evening begins at the Belton Chalet in West Glacier where attendees can catch a red bus ride to Lake McDonald Lodge where the evening’s festivities continue. For event details, please call 406/888-9039. For more information, please contact Amy Vanderbilt at 406/888-5838.

Memorial Day at Antietam
(Maryland) -- Join the parade in the town of Sharpsburg on Saturday, May 23, followed by a commemoration held in the National Cemetery. Events get underway at 11 a.m. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

National Memorial Day concert
(Washington, D.C.) -- The National Symphony Orchestra performs the first of three outdoor holiday concerts on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. The concert is free and is broadcast live on PBS. Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by so many … and a day for healing. On the eve of Memorial Day, enjoy the National Memorial Day Concert, a deeply moving and reverential tribute to the men and women who have given so much to preserve America’s freedoms. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

Memorial Day Observance At The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(Washington, D.C.) -- This year's annual Memorial Day observance pays tribute to those who served and died in Vietnam. The May 25ceremony starts at 1 p.m. and will include Presentation of the Colors and remarks by a special guest. The observance also includes a lying of wreaths by patriotic organizations. For more information, please contact Toni Braxton at 202/619-7174.

Wild river pioneers to feature at Glacier brown bag seminar
(Montana) -- John Fraley, a local historical writer and Information & Education Program Manager with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will present a pioneer history of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River drainage within Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness on May 28. One in a series of brown bag lectures, this free forum, coordinated by the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center, starts at noon at the West Glacier Community Building. Information is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/ccrlc-brown-bag-lectures.htm or call the Research Learning Center at 406/888-5827. For more information, please contact Amy Vanderbilt at 406/888-5838.

A light returns to South Manitou Island
(Michigan) -- On Saturday, May 30 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will celebrate the relighting of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. The light was extinguished in 1958 by the U.S. Coast Guard. Thanks to Centennial Challenge funding and private donations by Manitou Islands Memorial Society, Manitou Islands Transit, and Electro-Optics Technology, Inc., a replica third order Fresnel lens, illuminated with a low-wattage, solar powered bulb was purchased and installed in the lantern room of the 100-foot tall lighthouse. The light will shine from May through October each year. Please contact the park for celebration details at 231/326-5134. For more information, please contact Lisa Myers at 231 / 326-5134 .

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Last Update April 03, 2009 - 12:04 p.m.
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