Pristine Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park09-60
Grand Teton National Park will mark its second fee-free weekend on July 18 and 19, by offering special ranger-led activities. In addition to free admission into the park, several family-friendly programs aimed at providing education and promoting conservation are scheduled to help make the weekend a time to remember.
Jenny Lake: Canoe and Kayak Trip
Saturday, July 18, 2009—7:30 am
Join a 3-hour trip with a ranger to explore the beauty of Jenny Lake by canoe or kayak. Reservations are required; the limit is 10 boats. Canoes or kayaks can be rented from Jenny Lake Boating or participants can bring their own. Those attending should bring drinking water, rain gear and a snack. Participants must wear a life preserver during this activity. Obtain more information at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center (307.739.3392).
Gros Ventre Amphitheater: International Year of Astronomy
Sunday, July 19, 2009—9:30 pm
In recognition of the International Year of Astronomy, Park Ranger Naturalist Bob Hoyle will give a talk about American Indian mythology and the use of the sky and its celestial bodies in cultural history. Following the program, large telescopes will be set up for participants to view stars, galaxies, nebulas and other cosmic phenomena. Anyone planning to attend the program and telescope session should dress warmly as evening temperatures in Grand Teton can be quite chilly. For information on the International Year of Astronomy or the International Astronomical Union, visit their Web site at http://www.astronomy2009.org/.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve: Birds and Climate Change
Birds of the Preserve
Saturday, July 18, 2009—10:00 am – 12 noon
Discover the magnificent, colorful world of birds on a hike to Phelps Lake with a ranger. Round-trip distance is 2.5-3 miles.
Songs of Spring and Summer
Sunday, July 19, 2009—8:00 am – 10:30 am
Summer bird songs are a pleasant addition to any outdoor excursion. Join a ranger for an easy walk emphasizing “birding by ear” as a form of bird identification. Round-trip distance is 2.2 miles.
Our Changing Planet: Climate Change in Grand Teton
Saturday, July 18, 2009—2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Will the park’s spectacular scenery look the same in 20 years? Come explore some of Grand Teton’s pristine habitats and learn about how climate change will affect them. Round-trip distance is 3.2 miles.
Space is limited to 10 people in the special programs listed above, and reservations are recommended: call 307.739.3654. Meet on the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center Porch. Bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, insect repellant, water and snacks if desired.
Craig Thomas Discovery Center: All Day Hike with a Ranger
Saturday, July 18, 2009—9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Join a park ranger to walk along crystal-clear glacial lakes, enjoy incredible mountain views and discover special stories about Grand Teton. Roundtrip hike to Trapper and Bearpaw lakes is 7.5 miles. This activity is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. Those attending should bring drinking water, rain gear and lunch. Obtain more information at the Discovery Center (307.739.3399).
These ranger-led activities are being offered in addition to the regularly-scheduled activities that are listed in the park's newspaper, the Teewinot. Please visit online at http://www.nps.gov/ to see a complete list of ranger-led activities for 2009.
