There is a lot going on in the national parks this May. Join the 12th annual Missouri River Clean-up or  go on a ranger guided birding hike or visit a wetland. Whatever you do this may, get outdoors, enjoy America's parks, and remember to celebrate Earth Day everyday.  

12th Annual Missouri River Cleanup - Missouri National Recreational River, Missouri

The Annual Missouri River Cleanup will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to meet at Riverside Park boat ramp picnic shelter at 8:00 am for registration, coffee and doughnuts. All volunteers will be issued official T-shirts. Boats from the National Park Service and partner agencies will transport volunteers to and from cleanup sites along the river. The cleanup will end at noon with a lunch of bratwursts, chips, and cold drinks.

"The park is very proud of the efforts that hundreds of volunteers have made over the past decade to keep Yankton's Missouri River waterfront clean and green," said Missouri National Recreational River Park Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator, Dugan Smith. "We calculate that over 100 tons of trash have been picked up along this section of the National Recreational River. The citizens of this area have helped the National Park Service carry out its mission of protecting and preserving this Wild and Scenic River."

Organizers of the clean-up recommend that volunteers wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended; bring gloves or gloves will be provided. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Location:  Riverside Park boat ramp

Date and Time:  Saturday, May 2, 2015, 8:00 AM

More Information:  Contact park ranger Dugan Smith  at: 605-665-0209 or email: Dugan_Smith@nps.gov. 

Hubbell Trading Post Auctions - Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Arizona

Hubbell trading Post will host the annual Native American Arts auction this year on May 2, 2015. The Friends of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, in partnership with the National Park Service, have hosted the auctions each year. 

"It is with excitement that I announce the return of the Native American Arts Auction to Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site," Superintendent Masayumptewa said. "It is a fun event and provides for an opportunity to gather to meet with friends and make new ones. We hope that all our craftsmen and weavers return in May."

For more information, please call Frank Kohler at (602) 571-1122.

Date and Time:  Saturday, May 2, 2015

More Information: call Frank Kohler at (602) 571-1122 for more information. 

Old Farm Day  - Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Georgia 

Old Farm Day is a free event and open to the public. The event highlights farm life on the Carter farm prior to the purchase of their first tractor during World War II. Visitors will be able to witness demonstrations which will give them a greater understanding and appreciation for the farming days of old. Demonstrations will include plowing with the site's two mules, sisters Belle and Bird, blacksmithing by Ranger Kevin Alexander, and peanut boiling, a task a young Jimmy Carter would have undertaken as a means to supplement his income as a young boy.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace the day's festivities as they walk along paths a young Jimmy would have traversed. Guests are encouraged to listen to the sounds of the natural world which surrounds them as they make their way around the miniature version of the original Carter Farm. Listen as the wind whistles through Miss Lillian's Pecan Orchard, or as the fire crackles beneath the boiling peanuts. Imagine the sound of a screen door slamming shut behind a young Jimmy heading back into the fields to work, or the humming of Mrs. Rachel Clark as she sweeps her yard. Let your imagination escape you as the pounding of Ranger Kevin's hammer transforms instead into Mr. Earl hard at work making shoes for the animals. Let your imagination run wild at our Old Farm Day.

Date and Time:  Saturday, May 2, 2015. from 10am to 3pm,

More Information: call Steve Theus at, 229-824-4104 for more information. 

Ongoing Events in the Parks: 

Junior Cave Scientist Program - National Park Service Explore Nature

The National Park Service Explore Nature Program is  looking for young speleologists to become junior rangers. In the Junior Cave Scientist activity book, you will explore the fascinating and fragile underground world of caves, learn about the National Park System, and complete fun educational activities. Participants who complete the booklet will earn a badge, a certificate, and the rank of Junior Cave Scientist.

EXPLORE magnificent and beautiful caves. You will find an amazing underground world just beneath your feet! LEARN about caves and karst systems and the work that cave scientists do. PROTECT our national parks and the things that make caves and karst areas special.

The Junior Cave Scientist Program is a part of the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program. The goal of the Junior Ranger Program is to connect young people to their national parks through a variety of in-park activities that are designed to introduce them to the national park system and cultivate future generations of park stewards. Programs range from simple scavenger hunts for younger children, to multi-day ranger-led activities. Over 200 National Park Service areas currently have Junior Ranger programs. T

Location: Participating National Parks or,  try the online Junior Ranger program,  WebRanger program.

Date and Time:  ongoing

More Information: To learn more about NPS Junior Ranger programs, visit http://www.nps.gov/kids/jrRangers.cfm. 

 

Dinosaur's 100th Anniversary Celebrations - Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

On October 4, 1915, 80-acres of fossil-rich land in Northeast Utah were set aside as Dinosaur National Monument to protect "an extraordinary deposit of Dinosaurian and other gigantic reptilian remains of the Jurassic period." A second proclamation signed in 1938 recognized the surrounding area's spectacular scenery, geology, ecology and rich cultural history and expanded Dinosaur National Monument from 80 acres to over 210,000 acres, spanning the Utah-Colorado border. 

From April through October 2015, a variety of special events and projects will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Dinosaur National Monument and the diversity of resources it protects. We hope you will join the celebration!

April National Park Week from April 18-26 and National Junior Ranger Day on April 25, May Wild Things, June Rivers & Recreation, July History & Heritage, August Earl Douglass Discovery Days & Skies Over Dinosaur Astronomy Festival from August 12-16, September Art in the Park, October Rocktoberfest with the 100th Anniversary Weekend and Employee Reunion from October 2-4, Earth Science Week from October 10-18 and National Fossil Day on October 14

Location:  Dinosaur National Monument

Date and Time:  April to October

More Information:  Visit the park website for more information regarding individuals or groups who want to participate in presenting or hosting events or sharing ideas. Download the form 

Ranger Led Canoeing, Hiking, and Astronomy Programs - Big Cypress National Park, Florida

Enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Big Cypress National Preserve by taking part in a ranger-led program. Programs are offered at various locations from November to April. Topics include: plants, animals, human history, and more. Activities include: astronomy programs, canoeing trips, hiking, boardwalk strolls, and evening programs. 

Location: Big Cypress National Park

Date and Time:  Daily

More Information:  All ranger-led programs are free. Check the schedule posted at visitor centers and bulletin boards throughout the national preserve for times, places, and subject. You may also download a copy by clicking here.To make reservations, please call: 239-695-4758. Reservations are accepted up to 14 days in advance of the activity date.

Birding Tour and Beach Walk - Padre Island National Seashore, Texas 

Over 380 species of birds have been found at Padre Island National Seashore. This is nearly half of all bird species that have been documented in North America! Join expert birding guides on this 2-3 hour driving tour to find and observe the amazing variety of birds found in the park.

Location: Malaquite Beach Deck, Padre Island National Seashore

Time: Daily from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee Information: park entrance fee only

Padre Island beach walks are a leisurely 45-minute stroll on the beach and suitable for all ages. The program explores the coastal ecology.

Location: Malaquite Beach

Time: Weekly on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee Information: park entrance fee only

This leisurely, 45-minute stroll on the beach is suitable for all ages. The program explores our coastal ecology.