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Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in the Parks
June 30, 2015 - July 6, 2015
July 4th is a time of celebration across America. Many enjoy this special time with family and friends in National Park Service sites, spaces to discover America’s heritage, strengthen the body, and rejuvenate the spirit. Ranger programs are an enjoyable way to discover these places, including in New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River. Below is a list of this week’s featured ranger programs in these parks. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera, and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015:
Ranger on the Rock
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015:
Ranger on the Rock
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Thursday, July 2, 2015:
Ranger on the Rock
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Friday, July 3, 2015:
Art in the Park Workshop
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).
Ranger on the Rock
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
Saturday, July 4, 2015:
Art in the Park Workshop
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).
Bluestone Walk
10:00 am – 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk. Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Sunday, July 5, 2015:
Art in the Park Workshop
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Don’t forget that there is still time to enter the 2015 Hidden History Photo Contest. Contest entries are due July 27, 2015. Contest rules and entry forms are available online at www.nps.gov/neri.
For more information about participating sites visit:
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/neri, http://www.facebook.com/
About the National Park Service
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.
