Tomorrow evening, September 1 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, the public is encouraged to attend a free preview of the companion film to the upcoming PBS series, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The evening will start with the film ‘This is America', chronicling the diversity of National Park pioneers. Following the viewing will be a discussion and update about Pinnacles National Monument and its programs. The showing will be in Salinas at Sherwood Hall.

For more information, email Pinnacles National Monument at pinn_visitor_information@nps.gov or call 831-389-4486 x 243. The event is free and space is still available. Sherwood Hall is located in Salinas Community Center, 940 North Main Street, Salinas, CA.

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales - from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska - The National Parks: America's Best Idea is, nonetheless, a story of people: people from every conceivable background - rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration - set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

This event is brought to you by Pinnacles National Monument, Pinnacles Partnership, KQED Public Media, National Parks Conservation Association, Big Sur Land Trust, and the Monterey County Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce.

General park information can be obtained by visiting the Web site or by calling 831-389-4485.