First Centennial Project Coming to Rocky

by rlc

by webmaster

Youth will benefit from a $112,500 Federal grant made to Rocky Mountain National Park as part of the National Park Service Centennial Challenge.
According to Superintendent Vaughn L. Baker, our non-profit partner, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, has made this grant possible. Two years ago they launched the Next Generation Fund campaign to create a $10 million endowment to improve and expand youth education opportunities at the park. They have already raised over $1 million through private and corporate donations. Their funds will be matched by a Federal grant of $112,500 that the park applied for and just received. Collectively these funds are to be spent this fiscal year on internships, youth programs, environmental education, the Junior Ranger program and much more.
According to Curt Buchholtz, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, the park and the Nature Association have been cooperating on ways to improve and expand upon youth education programs. Later this summer a new Junior Ranger program will be launched for 6 to 8 and 9 to 12 year olds. Youth seminars will be offered at a reduced rate. College students will be serving in internships working with youth and school groups as well as families. Several American Conservation Corps youth crews will improve trails and assist with resource management projects. An additional staff member will increase the number of school groups reached. Staff are also exploring ways to involve technology into learning and innovative approaches to education in the park are being considered. The Next Generation Fund is key to connecting youth to the park and creating the next generation of park stewards. Information on programs can be found at nps.gov/romo or rmna.org. *Or, visit nextgenerationfund.org.

Comment on What's New? by NPS. Made on 06/23/08.

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