Youths, families invited to National Park Week at ONP

Children of all ages are invited to bring their favorite adult and come to the National Junior Ranger Day celebration from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center.

Junior Rangers are invited to wear their badge and be recognized for their achievements. All other youths are invited to bring their families, join in the fun and become Junior Rangers.

Special activities are scheduled throughout the day, including 40-minute ranger-guided walks at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and fun games with a ranger at 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Microscopes are set up for in-depth views of insects and plants and an art table features three main ecosystems of Olympic National Park. The Children’s Discovery Room will be open for play and exploration, and the park’s award-winning film will be shown. At 1 p.m., educator and musician Dan Lieberman will perform nature songs from his new CD inspired by Olympic National Park. Children and families are invited to come and sing along.

Youths must be accompanied by an adult; all activities are designed to be fun and enjoyable for adults too.

Olympic’s Junior Ranger program is a year-round way for children and families to experience and enjoy the park. Children complete Junior Ranger activity booklets, attend a ranger program and explore park nature trails to earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.

The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road in Port Angeles. For more information, call 565-3146.