Calling All Families! Come Out and Play this Summer with Coca-Cola and The National Parks

/PRNewswire/ -- Remember the old refrain, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?" Who wants to be dull? Coca-Cola, the National Park Foundation and renowned medical/diet expert Dr. Ian Smith want you to add a little fun into your life by making playdates in the parks for you and your family this summer. The "America Is Your Park" campaign launches today to encourage millions of Americans to be active outdoors and to cast a vote for their favorite park to win a $100,000 recreation grant made possible by Coca-Cola's Live Positively initiative.

"We understand that more families are looking for ways to have fun and be active together, but might lack the resources or an outside space to do so," said Katie J. Bayne, President and General Manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. "Coca-Cola has supported America's national parks for the past 40 years through campaigns like this because of our belief that everyone needs a place to play and spend time with family and friends."

Through online engagement and community grants, Coca-Cola is donating more than $500,000 to national, state and local parks across the country to restore or rebuild places for people of all ages to play. The campaign also encourages people to support the national and state parks system by voting for their favorite park on LivePositively.com through August 31, 2010 or coming out to local park health and wellness events that Coca-Cola will host this summer - all with the goal of making their communities a better place to live.

"Being physically active and maintaining a balanced diet should be a very important part of every family's health plan," said Dr. Ian Smith, medical/diet expert on VH1's highly rated "Celebrity Fit Club" and creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge. "National parks have been part of the American family experience for years, and playing in the park is a simple way for people to lead healthier and more balanced lives."

Through the support of individual parks and the partnership with the National Park Foundation, Coca-Cola has donated more than $13 million for restoration and renovation of our country's parks, including the restoration of more than 260 miles of "Active Trails" for families to hike and explore, and is developing the first sustainable recycling program at The National Mall, a national park in the heart of the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C.

"The rewards of our long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola lie in hundreds of miles of restored hiking trails, renovated landmarks and millions of dollars in renovated park facilities provided throughout the years," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO, National Park Foundation. "The positive impact of 'America Is Your Park' and similar campaigns will be felt for years to come by families who will have improved facilities to be active and have fun outdoors."

About the "America Is Your Park" Campaign

Every day should be a day in the park this summer. That's why Coca-Cola will be giving away fun prizes as well as annual passes and family vacations to America's 392 parks through programs on MyCokeRewards and the Summer Snapshot Contest on the Coke Facebook page. Consumers are also encouraged to visit MyCoke.com to upload their laugh to the Smile-izer. For every laugh submitted, a dollar will be donated to the National Park Foundation, up to $50,000.

What's more, from July 29 to August 31, people can go to LivePositively.com to cast a vote for their favorite park to win the title of "America's Favorite Park" and a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola for new activity equipment such as bikes and kayaks, or for the restoration and construction of activity areas. Additionally, Coca-Cola will work with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to host WNBA FIT Clinics at parks in select cities across the country, as part of a new multiyear marketing partnership agreement. To learn more about Coca-Cola's efforts in our nation's parks and to vote for your favorite park, visit www.livepositively.com.

About the National Park Foundation

You are the part-owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to help connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us - This is Your Land. www.nationalparks.org.

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National Park Foundation Lauds Centennial Anniversary of Glacier National Park

PRNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation, official charity of America's national parks, today honors the 100th birthday of one of our nation's most treasured places. On May 11, 1910, President Taft signed legislation officially protecting Glacier National Park in Montana. In honor of the anniversary, National Park Foundation President and CEO Neil Mulholland made the following statement:

"The significance of Glacier National Park's centennial could not be more apparent against the backdrop of the environmental crisis in the Gulf. While national parks are not immune to oil spills and other calamities both natural and man-made, they are places where we do our best to protect nature at its finest.

"National parks like Glacier were created and have long been protected by citizens who took action to preserve these spaces for generations to come. We congratulate the National Park Service and its partners whose celebration today reminds all of us that the parks are ours to enjoy -- and ours to safeguard in the next century and beyond."

The Glacier National Park Fund is a non-profit that works on behalf of the park, which was originally created by the National Park Foundation. Since being designated as a unit of the National Park Service, Glacier has also been designated an International Peace Park and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.

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Reconnect with nature: Plan a trip to a national park

(ARA) - Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see. An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. And, it's this beauty, exploration and enrichment, combined with the accessibility of national parks, that make them a popular vacation choice.

According to the National Park Service, trips to national parks are on the rise. Tour operators offering guided visits through America's parks agree.

"Bookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last year," says Scott Nisbet, president and CEO for the Globus family of brands. "National parks are idyllic vacation 'hot spots' perfect for relaxation and introspection, wildlife exploration or adventure, depending on the traveler and his or her interests."

A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks, including everything from snorkeling, rafting and hiking to learning about the environment, geology and wildlife. They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature.

And, it's the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming. Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010:

1. Choose the right park destination

From the east to west coasts, Alaska to Hawaii, America has more than 50 national parks to explore. Do your research to choose a park that has what you're looking for. For instance, if you're interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit. Or, if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or boating, the Everglades National Park could be a great choice.

2. Go rustic or go luxury

Lodging is an important consideration for any vacation. Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp. Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels, cabins and lodges. Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early! Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

3. On your own or with a guide?

Some travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey. While maps are available for nearly every park, guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation, including accommodations.

"Our national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunities," says Nisbet. "With a wide range of national park destinations, hotels and price points, coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling, we create experiences for travelers they couldn't produce on their own."

For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation, visit www.us-parks.com, www.nps.gov or www.globusjourneys.com. Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Expedia.com Announces Partnership with the National Park Foundation

/PRNewswire/ -- Expedia.com and the National Park Foundation today announced the launch of a new online resource to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's National Parks. The site, found at www.expedia.com/nationalparks, provides visitors with information about the National Parks and nearby lodging options available on Expedia.com, as well as suggestions for long weekend itineraries and in-depth articles on "Can't-Miss National Parks." It also features downloadable park maps and other editorial content from the National Park Foundation. Additionally, the site offers visitors a sneak peek video of Ken Burns' documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," which premieres on PBS on September 27.

"Millions of people plan trips to our National Parks every year, and as the world's leading online travel site, we're in the perfect position to showcase these parks as amazing vacation destinations and offer all the tools travelers need to plan trips to experience them," said Tim MacDonald, senior vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. "Plus, with original content from the National Park Foundation, and more to come, we consider this site a new permanent online home for National Park travel."

"The national parks belong to us all. Whether you want to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, sit in the shade of a sequoia, or visit Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home, each of us can find a way to connect with our shared heritage by traveling to a national park," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "We are very proud to work with Expedia to help people connect to their national parks, especially as Ken Burns' new documentary is about to re-introduce all Americans to the grandeur of the park system."

Expedia.com's National Parks site features an initial five "Can't-Miss National Parks" with photos and comprehensive details for Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park and Yosemite National Park. Just a few examples of the information available for Yosemite National Park include:

-- Location: Situated in the center of California, Yosemite Park
showcases the best of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Start your tour in
centrally located Yosemite Village.
-- Flora & Fauna: The mountains, valleys, and coniferous forests of
Yosemite Park harbor animals from bighorn sheep to bobcats.
-- Did You Know? Yosemite travel is best in spring, during the snowmelt,
when the park's famous waterfalls are at their peak.
-- Things to Do: Hike to Mariposa Grove where you'll discover hundreds of
giant sequoia--among the tallest and longest-lived trees in the world.
-- Stay In or Near the Park: The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Village, Calif.;
Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, Calif.


Also announced today is a new sweepstakes offering a chance to win a VIP vacation to Yosemite National Park. All travelers need to do to enter is book a stay at any participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts property - including brands such as Westin, Sheraton and W - by October 15, for travel through October 31, 2009, to be automatically entered to win a grand prize trip to Yosemite National Park, including airfare and VIP tours in the park. Travelers can also win one of 20 first prize autographed copies of "National Parks: America's Best Idea" by Dayton Duncan, from the film by Ken Burns. For more information about the sweepstakes or Expedia.com's new National Parks site, visit www.expedia.com/nationalparks.

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National Park Foundation Announces Half A Million Dollars in Grants to Connect Underserved Audiences to National Parks

/PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the forthcoming Ken Burns documentary The National Parks: America's Best Idea, the National Park Foundation (NPF) has established a new grant program to connect underserved audiences, primarily people of color, to the national parks. NPF, in partnership with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, has awarded "America's Best Idea Grants" totaling $500,000, to 35 national parks across the country to develop outreach strategies and engagement programs for people who are traditionally underrepresented in their local national parks.

"The point of America's Best Idea - both the documentary and the grants program - is that the country is strengthened by the deep and lasting bond between people and their parks," said Neil Mulholland, president of the National Park Foundation. "Ken Burns has captured the amazing personal stories of men and women from all walks of life who helped form the parks because of their love for the natural and historical treasures they hold. We want to be sure to continue capturing those stories and building that legacy among audiences as diverse as the parks themselves."

"Universal access to the parks and engagement of diverse and underserved populations are important goals in the evolution of our national parks," said Ira Hirschfield, President of the Haas, Jr. Fund. "It is our great hope that America's Best Idea will provide people in cities and towns across the country the chance to find meaning and inspiration in the story of the parks, and a chance to make these cherished places their own."

The parks receiving grants range in location and size from Salem Maritime National Historic Park in Massachusetts, to Denali National Park in Alaska, to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, and beyond.

Several of the programs, like the one in Bandelier National Monument, include targeted outreach to indigenous people - bringing native people back into the parks they inhabited initially. The projects are wide-ranging in scope and appeal, including sailing camps, wildlife education, contests and hikes with park historians. For information about the initial projects funded through this program, visit http://www.nationalparks.org/americas-best-idea/

Additional funding for the program was provided by the National Park Foundation and Popplestone Foundation.

The National Park Foundation is proud to be a core partner and funder of the new Ken Burns documentary series, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The film chronicles a century of giving that created national parks from southern Florida to the frozen tundra of Alaska, from the rocky coast of Maine to the volcanic Hawaiian islands.

Premiering September 27th on PBS, the 12-hour, six-part documentary series traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years. Told through the stories of the people who helped create them and save them from destruction, it is both a biography of compelling characters and of the American landscape.

About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant. Learn more at NPF's website, www.nationalparks.org

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Ken Burns's 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' to Drive National Conversation on Diversity and America's Parks

/PRNewswire / -- At a one-day conference called "Parks for All" in San Francisco today, filmmaker Ken Burns said that he hopes his most recent film, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA, will help attract new communities into the country's parks.

Burns and co-producer Dayton Duncan outlined an extensive outreach campaign that will accompany the broadcast of THE NATIONAL PARKS this September on PBS, including visits to 45 markets where the filmmakers will show clips and lead discussions about the national parks. The documentary tells the history of the national park idea, chronicling its birth in the mid-1800s and tracing its evolution for nearly 150 years.

The Untold Stories Project, conceived in 2004, will supplement the already ambitious educational and community outreach plans normally associated with a Burns film. "We hope it will prompt more people to experience their parks -- and become stewards of their future," he said.

Among the elements of the NATIONAL PARKS outreach campaign are:

-- Special research about the people and stories often overlooked in
histories of the national parks. Many of the stories were incorporated
into the larger series and into the companion book. The entire
research document has been organized into a book that will be donated
to the National Park Service for its use.
-- A special 45-minute film, The National Parks: This Is America, which
tells the story of the national park idea through the lens of a
diverse cast of historical characters and brings the story closer to
the present than does the larger documentary. This, too, will be given
to the National Park Service.
-- Five mini-documentaries of about 10 minutes each, profiling people
from diverse backgrounds involved in contemporary parks issues. The
topics include "City Kids in National Parks," "Manzanar - 'Never
Again,'" "Mount Rushmore - Telling America's Stories," "San Antonio
Missions - Keeping History Alive" and "Yosemite's Buffalo Soldiers."

-- Translation of the 12-hour series into Spanish for broadcast on PBS
stations that choose to do so and translation of the shorter films
into Spanish, Japanese and Lakota.

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75 Years Of Smoky Mountains Beauty

(NAPSI)-Just about everybody loves birthdays and anniversaries, and one of America's treasures marks a big one throughout 2009. It's the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most visited national park.

Many people assume that one of the legendary national parks out West gets the highest visitation, but the annual 9 million visits to the Smokies far outpace the 4.4 million of second-place Grand Canyon National Park.

The park's next-door neighbor, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is a great home base for a national park vacation because it combines the joys of nature with the delights of a family vacation destination.

It was in 1934 when a big piece of Appalachian backcountry--eventually 800 square miles--became the national park. Today, it's the biggest piece of wilderness in the Eastern U.S. and a magnet for hikes, wildflower treks, photography expeditions and driving tours.

Indeed, it was the desire for a scenic location for driving tours that helped establish the national park. The movement began in the 1890s, but it was motorists' clubs--early branches of the AAA in the mid-1920s--that pushed the effort into high gear.

Unlike in the West, where the federal government could carve out national parks from land it already controlled, land for Great Smoky Mountains National Park had to be acquired privately and then donated to the U.S. That also meant that about 1,200 people moved away when the park's boundaries were set.

What was acquired was not necessarily prime land. Most of what we see today as forested wilderness was logged over by timber companies and was in terrible shape. Mother Nature has healed a lot of wounds in the last 75 years.

The park's Mt. LeConte rises to the sky south of Pigeon Forge and provides a breathtaking backdrop for the tourist community that claims Dollywood, 13 theaters, WonderWorks, scores of restaurants and dozens of family attractions among its attributes.

Six Pigeon Forge festivals scattered throughout the year are on the national park's official 75th anniversary calendar, and there's a special show at Dollywood that's helping to celebrate the occasion.

That show is "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke," which pays tribute to the music, heritage and traditions of the mountains. "Sha-Kon-O-Hey" is the phonetic spelling of the Cherokee word for this lovely mountain region.

To plan a Pigeon Forge/Great Smoky Mountains visit, go to MyPigeonForge.com or call toll-free (800) 251-9100.

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10 Favorite Foreign National Parks Highlighted by U.S. National Park Service Retirees

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ever wonder where people who work in national parks go when they take a vacation? Today, the 700-member Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) released a list of 10 of the best foreign national parks, spanning the globe from Australia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The list of personal favorites of NPS retirees is in the same of vein as the "Beyond Yellowstone: 7 Winter Travel Favorites" (http://www.npsretirees.org/pressroom/2006/winter-travel-recommendations-beyon d-yellowstone), which was released by the Coalition in October 2006.

CNPSR member Don Goldman, former park planner in the old Southwest Region of the National Park Service, said: "Several years ago, in anticipation of family winter vacation time, the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees rounded up its members' recollections of the most memorable U.S. national park areas they had worked in or visited. When the nominations came in, the selection process was like picking from among the loveliest flowers in the field. As we had to acknowledge, it was a highly subjective selection process. But our intention was to encourage Americans to visit their national parks; not just our favorites, but whichever ones they could get to. This year, the Coalition's 700 members have suggestions for your vacation trips abroad. We who have spent our lives working in and with national parks not only visit our own, but make an effort to see other countries' national parks, too."

CNPSR member Rick Smith, former superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns said, "Most Americans know that Yellowstone was our first national park, but it was also the world's first national park. The idea of a national park was new with Yellowstone, but it was soon adopted by many countries, one of the best ideas our country gave the world. Just as we did, those countries have expanded the original concept to a great variety of parks and reserves. Today, marvelous parks are to be found all over the world."

Coalition members usually can't stay away from such places on foreign vacations. Smith explained: "We plan many of our overseas trips around the national parks or protected areas we can visit in other countries." Some NPS retirees even had the opportunity, when on temporary training or work assignments with foreign countries or as Peace Corps Volunteers, to work in and contribute to those countries' national parks.

The following 10 foreign national parks are among the outstanding places CNPSR members recommended. Where it was necessary to break ties, the park chosen in the end was included to provide for maximum geographic diversity:

1. TONGARIRO N. P., New Zealand. This is one of the North Island's three World Heritage Sites. It features volcanic peaks (one of which is active) and is still home to many Maoris, who donated the park to New Zealand in 1887, when it became the world's fourth national park. The Maoris are very outgoing in displaying their culture to visitors.

2. KAKADU N. P., Northern Territory, Australia. This World Heritage Site is jointly managed by the Aborigines and the Australian government. It has magnificent vistas, great waterfalls, stunning displays of Aboriginal rock art, and is habitat to an awesome predator, the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile.

3. SNOWDONIA N. P., Wales, Great Britain. Snowdonia is a lovely mountain park, with Mount Snowdon, which is comprised of slate, rising to 3560 feet. While this park is not geologically or scenically spectacular compared with many mountain parks, it is spectacular in its own right, due in part to its peaceful nature.

4. KRUGER N. P., South Africa. This is perhaps the most impressive wildlife viewing area in the world. Millions of acres of habitat and little development give visitors an opportunity to see many large African mammals and magnificent birds. It is one of the few places where wildlife is in charge - they wander free and the visitors are controlled.

5. TIKAL N. P., Guatemala. This World Heritage Site contains the spectacular ruins of a Maya settlement from around 250-900 AD. The towering ruins of temples, one 70 meters tall, rising from the jungle that surrounds them, are mute testimony to the architectural genius of the Maya. As many as 90,000 people lived in Tikal at its zenith, but strife with neighboring towns and environmental stress caused its abandonment beginning in the 10th century. Of course, the Maya never left; they are there today, and a thrill of a visit is to see it with a Maya guide.

6. IGUAZU N. P., Argentina. This park protects one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls and the surrounding subtropical forest. The falls are 70 meters high, but even more impressive is their width: the river at the falls is 1500 meters wide. A thrilling experience is the short boat ride and walk along the catwalks to the most striking of the hundreds of falls, Garganta del Diablo, the Devil's Throat. The roar itself is an unforgettable experience.

7. SAGARMANTHA N. P., Nepal. The park includes Mount Everest, among other prominent mountains. It has distinctive wildlife and small picturesque Sherpa villages with their gumpas (monasteries).

8. MADAIN SALEY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Saudi Arabia. This region, the Biblical Midian, is mostly undulating desert, interspersed with huge rocky outcrops and lush oases. Here, between 500 B.C. and 100 A.D., the Nabatean people created 125 monumental cut-rock tombs and facades, edifices up to 130 feet tall, that are standing today in a remarkable state of preservation.

9. PLITVICE LAKES N. P., Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in inland Croatia, about halfway between Zagreb and Split. In moderately mountainous terrain, the park features water - small lakes and streams and beautiful waterfalls everywhere. Because of the geology of the area, travertine is evident in most of the water features, giving them distinctive blue-green colors and exceptionally clear water. There are a number of excellent short and moderate hiking trails with quiet, non-polluting electric ferries connecting some of the trails by way of the lakes. Because of the vegetation, fall "color season" is especially spectacular.

10. HORTOBAGY N. P., Hungary. This park is located on the "puszta," or great Hungarian plains. It was the country's first national park. It also is a biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site. The plains and wetlands reflect two millennia of human occupation and have supported agrarian life for centuries. It has several endangered bird species and is a refuge for the Przewalski horse and migratory waterfowl. Culturally, it preserves and interprets traditional Hungarian folkways, such as the nomadic herding culture of the puszta.

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Honoring America’s Veterans In The National Parks

Americans have always answered their country’s call to duty and fought no matter what the cause or reason for the war. The events of these wars and the people that fought and died for this country are valued by all Americans as links to our common heritage and our growth as a nation. Many of the places where they fought are today commemorated in areas managed by the National Park Service.

All military personnel, past and present, and their families will receive free admittance to any of the country’s 391 National Park Service sites on Tuesday, November 11th, in honor of Veteran’s Day. The fee waiver applies to entrance fees only. Normally, 147 National Park Service sites charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. Some parks might also waive other fees on an individual basis. Veteran’s Day and National Public Lands Day in September are the only two days when entrance fees are waived nationwide. The administrative fee waiver of entrance and/or standard amenity fees is applied annually on Veterans Day at public recreation lands managed by Interior’s National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation and Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.

“I invite everyone to visit our many national parks that preserve and commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who have fought in America’s wars,” said Director Bomar. “On Veteran’s Day, and every day, what better way to learn about the hallowed places preserved in the National Park System and to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, than by visiting a national park.”

The National Park Service has the honor of preserving many battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. The ideals and freedoms they fought for are remembered throughout the National Park System in areas as diverse as King’s Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina, Fort McHenry National Monument in Maryland, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Virginia, Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site in Texas and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. National parks preserve and commemorate these sites of historical significance in the on-going growth of this nation as part of its core mission to preserve important cultural resources.

By logging onto the “Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Park Preserved in the National Park System” website, found at "More Information" below, people can learn of the many special places managed by the National Park Service. In addition to a list of national park sites, the web site includes information and web links to books and documents related to the theme of battlefields and military parks.

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Find Fabulous Fall Colors in National Parks

ARA) - Every year, millions of Americans look forward to autumn and the opportunity to take in the beautiful fall foliage. As deciduous trees across the country begin to shed their leaves, “leaf peeping,” as it is known, becomes a pastime of many travelers.

The national parks offer a serene setting and unmatched views to enjoy this majestic transformation. Our parks preserve hundreds of tree species, which, into November, vibrantly paint the mountains and hillsides and fields with fresh shades of red, orange, yellow and purple.

“Visitors come from miles away each year to experience fall foliage in our national parks. It is truly a spectacular time of year,” says Mark Wenzler, director of Clean Air and Climate Programs for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Unfortunately, many of the trees people come to see face threats like air pollution, most of which is caused by exhaust from coal-fired power plants and automobiles. It is essential we do everything we can to protect our national parks for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, as well.”

Here are a few national park sites beloved for their brilliant fall foliage, but also facing air pollution issues:

Although nearing the completion of this year’s season, Acadia National Park in Maine is well-known for its beautiful fall foliage. Timing varies each year, but peak colors are typically seen in early to mid-October. The park offers nearly 40,000 acres of Maine coastline for visitors to explore the remarkable foliage and views. Leaf peepers come to see the bright yellow birch leaves, the deep red maple foliage, and the orange hue of the white ash. At an elevation of 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain allows visitors to enjoy fall foliage at the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard.

Despite the undeniable beauty throughout the park, Acadia’s forests are threatened by harmful air pollution. To reduce pollution from your car, consider carpooling in the fall, as the park’s shuttle system stops operating after Columbus Day. For more information about fall foliage at Acadia National Park, please see: http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina) usually experiences a fall foliage season that lasts several weeks. Park trees change colors at various times, depending mostly on elevation. At mid and lower-level elevations, the color display typically reaches peak between mid-October and early November. The park attracts leaf peepers, who want a glimpse of the nearly 100 native tree species, most of which are deciduous. Some of the more vibrant trees include hickories, sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum and red maple.

The fall foliage display at Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the best in the country, but park forests face air pollution threats like acid rain, which weakens trees by damaging the leaves and limiting the nutrients available to them. Visitors might consider alternative transportation options to lessen their own impact at the park, as automobile emissions are a contributor to air pollution. At Cades Cove, one of the more congested areas of the park, NPCA has partnered with the nonprofit Cades Cove Heritage Tours to offer a guided shuttle service for visitors. For more information about fall foliage at Great Smoky Mountains, please visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit.

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is known for its extensive cave system -- the longest in the world. However, visitors have ample opportunity to explore other features of this national park, as well. Mammoth Cave preserves the forested Kentucky hills, which offer numerous trails for hikers to explore and observe the vibrant fall foliage. Oak, tulip poplar and sassafras are among the trees that scatter park forests and attract leaf peepers annually.

Unfortunately, the park’s beloved deciduous trees are threatened by acid rain year-round. Consider carpooling to the park, and using park trails to explore its changing forests. Mammoth Cave offers trails for every level of hiker. For an updated webcam shot of fall foliage at the park, please visit http://nature.nps.gov/air.

Each of these parks is downwind of dozens of coal-fired power plants, which are the major cause of acid rain and ozone which damage their trees. Fortunately, many electric utilities are now offering their customers the choice of green energy alternatives to coal, like wind and solar power. After returning from your fall leaf peeping trip, consider switching to green energy to help protect the beautiful scenery you just enjoyed.

For additional information about reducing your own carbon footprint to help protect our national parks, as well as the tools to actually do so, visit the new interactive Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks Web site, sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association in support of the National Park Service’s Climate Friendly Parks program at www.doyourpartparks.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Arts Across Georgia

Andersonville National Historic Site, Rolling Thunder Chapters from 11 States, Georgia Southwestern State University to Honor Nation's POWs/MIAs, Sept

T2F Note: Roll into the past on this day trip adventure in Georgia. It's a great way to remember America's armed forces personnel who were POW or MIA.

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rolling Thunder's 2008 Ride Home -- a multi-day annual activity held in conjunction with the National Park Service's Andersonville National Historic Site and Georgia Southwestern State University to recognize and honor the nation's Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA) -- will be held in Andersonville and Americus, Ga., Sept. 17-20, 2008.

"The 2008 Ride Home, which is supported this year by Rolling Thunder(R) chapters from 11 states, is part of a series of events conducted jointly with the National Park Service in Andersonville to honor those former POWs from all wars who have returned home and remember those who are still listed as MIA," said Jim Moyer, Ride Home board chairman.

According to Moyer, more than 1,000 Rolling Thunder members are expected to gather in Andersonville and Americus to honor an estimated 100 former POWs scheduled to attend this year's program of events as guests of Rolling Thunder.

While Friday, Sept. 19, is the official National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the four days of recognition activities begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a convocation sponsored by the National Park Service and hosted by Georgia Southwestern State University at the Student Success Center in Americus.

The guest speaker will be Joseph Hudson of Alamogordo, N.M. He was a 23-year-old U.S. Army specialist with the 507th Maintenance Group, Fort Bliss, Tex., who was shot three times, captured and held by Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Army from March 23, 2003 until April 13, 2003.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, through Saturday, Sept. 20, the Park Service will host Bataan Death March survivor Colonel Glenn Frazier at the National Prisoner of War Museum at the Andersonville National Historic Site. Frazier, who was an underage U.S. Army volunteer from Fort Deposit, Ala., in 1941, will be autographing his book, "Hell's Guest," which is his account of three harrowing years as a prisoner of war.

On Friday, Sept. 19, the official National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Rolling Thunder's formal activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a tribute service, "Keeping the Promise, We Will Not Forget" at the First Baptist Church in Americus.

Scheduled speakers include: U.S. Air Force Major General Albert G. (Jerry) Rodgers whose final active duty assignment was Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at Tactical Air Command Headquarters at Langley, AFB, Va.; U.S. Navy Captain Ronald Harrell, Commander of the FFG (Fast Frigate) Class Squadron 14 at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.; Stephen E. Thompson, Family and Veteran Liaison for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Honolulu, Hawaii; and, Dr./Rev. Chuck Gass, the staff chaplain at the VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla.

A Rolling Thunder escort to the tribute service for the former POWs is scheduled to depart for the Baptist church from the Wal-Mart parking lot in Americus at 9 a.m.

At 1 p.m. that afternoon the National Prisoner of War Museum in Andersonville will unveil a commemorative plaque honoring POWs from the U.S. Army's 42nd "Rainbow" Division.

Formed in August 1917, the "Rainbow" nickname was given to the division after Colonel Douglas MacArthur, the new division's Chief of Staff (and ultimately its commander), remarked that "the 42nd Division stretches like a Rainbow from one end of America to the other" because it was comprised of National Guard units from 26 states and the District of Columbia.

The division, which saw service in both World Wars, was deactivated in 1946; however it returned in 1947 as a National Guard Division for New York, the state of its birth. Currently headquartered at the Glenmore Armory in Troy, N.Y., the division includes Army National Guard units from 14 states: Connecticut, Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Activities on Friday will continue at 4:30 p.m. with Rolling Thunder's annual tribute dinner followed by a candlelight remembrance ceremony scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Both activities will be at the Windsor Hotel in Americus.

The Missing Man Table, which honors the nation's POW/MIAs, will be the focal point of the evening. The single round table with six empty place settings symbolize Americans from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard -- and civilians who cannot attend and will be participating in the evening's activities in spirit only.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Rolling Thunder's Annual POW Recognition will begin at 10 a.m. at the Rostrum at Andersonville National Cemetery. The ceremony honors POWs who have returned home from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf wars.

A Rolling Thunder Heroes Escort Ride is scheduled to depart for the Andersonville National Historic Site from the Wal-Mart parking lot in Americus at 9 a.m.

The 1-14th Aviation Regiment from Fort Rucker, Ala., will open the 10 a.m. ceremony with a helicopter flyover of an AH-64D Apache Longbow and an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

A Roll Call of former POWs attending the ceremony will precede a special presentation to each.

Music will be provided by the U.S. Marine Band stationed at the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base, SSgt Kristine Streng conducting.

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Natural Fireworks Continue at National Parks Volcanoes

(ARA) – Fourth of July fireworks are already fading, but you can still enjoy a different kind of light show this summer. Throughout America’s National Park System, volcanoes are putting on a natural fireworks display, according to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).

Nearly 40 national parks throughout the National Park System boast a volcanic history or theme. Parks protect a wide variety of volcanic landscapes, ranging from the largest volcano in the world at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, to the smaller but equally beautiful Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Arizona.

“The National Park System preserves many of our country’s magnificent volcanoes, both active and dormant,” says Ron Tipton, NPCA senior vice president of programs. “The protection of these inspirational national parks enables our children and grandchildren to witness them in the same condition we were able to.”

National parks offer a safe and educational environment for viewing some of the most awe-inspiring natural features our country has to offer, including active volcanoes. For instance:

* California's Lassen Peak first erupted in 1914, and continued sporadically for the next seven years. The peak is the southernmost volcano in the Cascade chain, which stretches into Canada. In 1916 the federal government officially established Lassen Volcanic National Park. Today, visitors can find numerous bubbling hydrothermal areas throughout the park, along with a rich diversity of plant and animal life. For more information go to www.npca.org/parks/lassen-volcanic-national-park.html.

*Mount Rainier in Washington is the highest peak in the Cascade Range at 14,410 feet. An active volcano, Rainier could one day threaten the surrounding Seattle region. Rainier is considered a stratovolcano, composed of many layers of hardened lava, ash and debris from explosive eruptions. Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899. Today, the park is known for its bicycling, hiking, and climbing opportunities. For more information, go to www.npca.org/parks/mount-rainier-national-park.html.

* In Alaska, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve features two active stratovolcanoes - Iliamna and Redoubt. The last eruption of Mount Redoubt, between 1989 and 1990, was extremely devastating and costly. It significantly affected both the aviation and oil industries, as well as some individuals’ health, demonstrating just how hazardous these majestic mountains can be. Both volcanoes are thought to be close to 1 million years old. Today, the best way to view the volcanoes is by airplane. In addition, Lake Clark offers numerous hiking and boating opportunities for visitors. For more information on the park, go to www.npca.org/parks/lake-clark-national-park.html.

* Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 to study and protect the impressive volcanic features of Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in the world, and Kilauea is one of the most active. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983, except for several short pauses. Hundreds of lava tubes, steam vents, sea arches, cracks and caves exist throughout the park, as well as active craters and calderas. Most are accessible by trails, which offer stunning views for park visitors. For more information on visiting the park, go to www.npca.org/parks/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park.html.

In a new assessment of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, NPCA’s Center for State of the Parks noted damage to historic park structures as a result of seismic activity. In addition, the park periodically experiences closures due to high levels of sulfur dioxide, which can be dangerous to visitors. This spring, the park was closed for a period of time. Although the park has reopened to visitors, NPCA recommends travelers first check the park’s Web site at www.nps.gov/havo or contact the National Park Service for information regarding closures.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Historic Park Lodges Offer a Glimpse at the Past

(ARA) - Planning a visit to a national park this summer? In honor of National Preservation Month, the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has compiled a short list of historic hotels located inside national parks, which offer visitors a memorable place to stay -- and an opportunity to witness America’s nearly 100-year-old national park history first-hand.

“Many of the historic hotels in our national parks offer a great opportunity for visitors to appreciate the history of the national treasure they are staying in,” says NPCA senior vice president of programs Ron Tipton.

In the early 20th century, railroads transported visitors to national parks including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, and built lodges inside those parks. The original section of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Lodge dates to 1903. The Grand Canyon’s El Tovar opened on the South Rim in 1905. Twelve years after the National Park Service was created, the Union Pacific Railway opened the Grand Canyon Lodge, the last major building in the railway’s “Loop Tour,” on the North Rim of the canyon in 1928.

Over time, as car ownership grew, the interstate highway system developed, and motels became commonplace, the railroad-era trend of building hotels inside the boundaries of national parks ended. Today, the Park Service works to maintain historic hotels in many national parks, from Mount Rainier to Shenandoah.

“Regrettably, the Park Service lacks sufficient funding to perform renovations and major repairs at some of these historically significant structures,” Tipton adds. “But fortunately, visitors quickly fall in love with these places, becoming inspired to help advocate for their protection for our children and grandchildren.”

NPCA recommends that visitors craving authenticity consider a stay at one of the following historic hotels, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

* Many Glacier Hotel, at Glacier National Park (Mont.), was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1915 to accommodate tourists. Inspired by resorts in the Swiss Alps, Many Glacier is a wooden structure with numerous gables and balconies, and therefore, ongoing preservation needs. For reservations, visit: http://www.glacierparkinc.com/

* Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park (Wa.) reopens May 2008 after two years of renovations and structural work. Congress approved the funds to renovate the historic inn, which has long been considered one of the best places to stay in the national parks. The inn was built in 1917 and received the funding necessary for preservation due in large part to broad public support. To reserve a room visit: http://rainier.guestservices.com/index.html

* In Shenandoah National Park (Va.), Skyland Resort offers a sweeping view of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley from 3,680 feet. The resort was built in 1895, but did not become part of the park until the 1930s. George Pollock, who started the resort (originally called Stony Man Camp), was also influential in establishing Shenandoah as a national park. Skyland is the largest lodging complex in Shenandoah National Park, offering lodge units, suites, and cabins for visitors. To reserve a room visit: http://www.visitshenandoah.com/reservations.cfm

* Yosemite National Park (Calif.) is home to the Wawona Hotel, one of the grandest hotels in any national park. The Victorian-style hotel consists of six white frame buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1876. It is the oldest resort complex in the National Park System. Famous visitors include Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt. Book your stay online at: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_WawonaHotel.aspx

For more information about historic hotels in the national parks, visit: http://www.npca.org/magazine/2006/summer/lodges.html.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A Great Way to Experience America’s National Parks

ARA - Planning a visit to a national park this summer? In honor of National Preservation Month, the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has compiled a short list of historic hotels located inside national parks, which offer visitors a memorable place to stay -- and an opportunity to witness America’s nearly 100-year-old national park history first-hand.

“Many of the historic hotels in our national parks offer a great opportunity for visitors to appreciate the history of the national treasure they are staying in,” says NPCA senior vice president of programs Ron Tipton.

In the early 20th century, railroads transported visitors to national parks including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, and built lodges inside those parks. The original section of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Lodge dates to 1903. The Grand Canyon’s El Tovar opened on the South Rim in 1905. Twelve years after the National Park Service was created, the Union Pacific Railway opened the Grand Canyon Lodge, the last major building in the railway’s “Loop Tour,” on the North Rim of the canyon in 1928.

Over time, as car ownership grew, the interstate highway system developed, and motels became commonplace, the railroad-era trend of building hotels inside the boundaries of national parks ended. Today, the Park Service works to maintain historic hotels in many national parks, from Mount Rainier to Shenandoah.

“Regrettably, the Park Service lacks sufficient funding to perform renovations and major repairs at some of these historically significant structures,” Tipton adds. “But fortunately, visitors quickly fall in love with these places, becoming inspired to help advocate for their protection for our children and grandchildren.”

NPCA recommends that visitors craving authenticity consider a stay at one of the following historic hotels, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

* Many Glacier Hotel, at Glacier National Park (Mont.), was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1915 to accommodate tourists. Inspired by resorts in the Swiss Alps, Many Glacier is a wooden structure with numerous gables and balconies, and therefore, ongoing preservation needs. For reservations, visit: http://www.glacierparkinc.com/

* Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park (Wa.) reopens May 2008 after two years of renovations and structural work. Congress approved the funds to renovate the historic inn, which has long been considered one of the best places to stay in the national parks. The inn was built in 1917 and received the funding necessary for preservation due in large part to broad public support. To reserve a room visit: http://rainier.guestservices.com/index.html

* In Shenandoah National Park (Va.), Skyland Resort offers a sweeping view of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley from 3,680 feet. The resort was built in 1895, but did not become part of the park until the 1930s. George Pollock, who started the resort (originally called Stony Man Camp), was also influential in establishing Shenandoah as a national park. Skyland is the largest lodging complex in Shenandoah National Park, offering lodge units, suites, and cabins for visitors. To reserve a room visit: http://www.visitshenandoah.com/reservations.cfm

* Yosemite National Park (Calif.) is home to the Wawona Hotel, one of the grandest hotels in any national park. The Victorian-style hotel consists of six white frame buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1876. It is the oldest resort complex in the National Park System. Famous visitors include Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt. Book your stay online at: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_WawonaHotel.aspx

For more information about historic hotels in the national parks, visit: http://www.npca.org/magazine/2006/summer/lodges.html.

Courtesy of ARAcontent