Students, ages eight and older, are invited to join Virgin Islands National Park and the Elaine I. Sprauve Library in celebrating the National Park Centennial on Aug. 25 on St. John.
The celebration will begin with a short presentation about national parks and an art project for children to share their creativity. A scavenger hunt will lead students on a walk to the National Park Visitor Center where art projects will be displayed and cake will be served.
The Youth Birthday Celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Elaine I. Sprauve Library and end at 2 p.m. at the National Park Visitor Center. Please register by calling the library at 776-6359.
In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park. There were 37 national parks in the United States when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service (NPS) on Aug. 25, 1916.
Today, there are 412 national parks throughout the country, and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn. Plan a visit at www.nps.gov.
Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956 to preserve and protect for public benefit and inspiration the outstanding scenic features, the Caribbean tropical marine and terrestrial ecosystems in their natural conditions, and the cultural heritage from pre-Columbian through Danish Colonial times.
Last year, more than 400,000 park visitors enjoyed the site and added $62 million to the local economy while supporting 819 area jobs.
The mission of NPS also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening in the Virgin Islands, go to www.nps.gov/VI. Visit the park Web page at www.nps.gov/viis
