Great Sand Dunes celebrates Junior Ranger Day

SAND DUNES — Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is celebrating Junior Ranger Day this Saturday, August 5. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Ramada Picnic Area. Participants will have the opportunity to earn patches, pedometers and T-shirts after completing a variety of activities. Families and children of all ages are welcome and there no fees or reservations are required to participate.

Orientation, prize, and activity tables will be set up at the South Ramada Picnic Area, adjacent to the Dunes Parking Area. Participants should park at the Dunes Parking Area and follow signs to the South Ramada Picnic Area. Park Rangers and volunteers will be available to provide general information and a map of the activities. This year, Great Sand Dunes has organized the following activities for kids to participate in:

• Learn about mountain lions, pronghorns, and a variety of insects at the “Animal Obstacle Course.”

• Stop by the “Touch Table” station to learn more about artifacts, rocks, and other exciting items that have been found in the park.

• Try on the uniform that best suits you and explore careers with the National Park Service at the “Ranger Station.”

• In an effort to promote physical activity in National Parks, the Friends of the Dunes will provide pedometers for Junior Rangers to participate in “Steps for Stamps” =- walk or hike 2,000 steps (1 mile) with a pedometer and earn a sticker.

• Look for plants, animals, and unique features in the dunes as part of the “Scavenger Hunt.”

Junior Rangers will collect a sticker after completing each activity and pick up prizes at the South Ramada picnic area.

This event is made possible with generous support from the Friends of the Dunes and the staff and volunteers at Great Sand Dunes. The Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization committed to supporting research and education at Great Sand Dunes.

For more information on Junior Ranger Day and other programs and special events at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, please visit www.nps.gov/grsa or call the visitor center at 719-378-6399.