Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 13, 2005
Contact: Carl Brenner, Supervisor - Resource Education
Phone: (831) 389 - 4485 ext. 265

Pinnacles National Monument will be celebrating National Park Week and Earth Day with a weekend of activities. April 18th to 24th is National Park Week, an annual celebration of national parks. Earth Day, a day to celebrate the natural wonders of our planet, will occur on April 22nd. Pinnacles is planning activities beginning Friday, April 22nd

Friday, April 22, 2005:

The National Park Service staff at Pinnacles National Monument will begin the celebration with a Moonlight hike to encourage your appreciation of Mother Earth by getting to know her varied persona. If you would like to experience Pinnacles under April moonlight, join this quiet, moderate two-mile hike. The attributes of natural quiet and magical vistas at Pinnacles under moonlight will be emphasized as you ascend a mile to a scenic viewpoint. There the group will calmly rest, bathed in moon glow and the colors of the wind.

NOTE: Reservations are required. Sign up by calling the Bear Gulch Visitor Center (831)389-4485 ext. 235. Meet at the visitor center (east entrance) at 8:00 pm; return time is about 10:15. Bring layered clothing, sturdy boots or shoes, water, and a small flashlight with a red cover over the lens.

Saturday, April 23rd planned events include:

• 11:00-11:45 a.m. - "Camouflage", a walk for ages 5-8.

Explore the riparian habitat of Chalone Creek, and learn how animals camouflage to blend in with their surroundings. The hike will be about 100 yards, and the group will be in sight of the picnic area for the whole walk. Parents are welcome to watch from the picnic area.

• 2:30-3:15 p.m. - "Wilderness of the Valley Oaks", a walk for ages 9-12.

Hike into a valley oak woodland in the Pinnacles South Wilderness and learn about this unique habitat. The hike will be about a mile of flat, easy walking.

These trips will be limited to 15 kids each and will meet at the Peaks View parking area. Participants should wear comfortable shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots). Parents should be at the picnic area a few minutes before the program's start and at least 5 minutes before the end to greet the returning hikers.

• 2:00 p.m. - Geology Hike to Balconies Cave. This walk will begin at the Chaparral Ranger Station.
• 8:00 p.m. - "An Island Called Pinnacles" An evening program at the Pinnacles Campground, Inc.'s amphitheater.

In addition to all the activities of National Park Week, we would like to remind visitors that normal park programs will also be occurring.
- At the Bear Gulch Visitor Center: 10:30 Guided Walk & 3:00 Ranger Talk both Saturdays and Sundays.
- At the Chaparral Ranger Station: 2:00 Guided Walk or Ranger Talk both Saturdays and Sundays.

Your National Parks are living examples of the best this Nation has to offer - our magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet interrelated heritage. Parks can provide recreational experiences, opportunities to learn and grow, and places of quiet refuge.

General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.