© Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Over three days in April, The Institute at the Golden Gate will host several hundred environmentalists, scientists, business leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and youth activists at its headquarters at Fort Baker in Sausalito. Why? The second annual Turning the Tide conference.

This year’s conference -held April 14-16 - will unite those ready to give their expertise and solutions to today’s most pressing environmental issues from climate change and wildlife preservation to oceans and water conservation. For more information on Turning the Tide, including ticketing, updated scheduling, and speaker details, check online or call 415-561-3560.

To reach a broad global audience, several keynotes and breakout session will be offered via webcast as well as through live discussions on Twitter and Facebook. Further information about these features may be found online.

Signature Environmental Forum Comes to California originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 09:57:14.

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© NPS

Can a person run as fast as a fox? Can we jump as high? Is our sense of smell better? Join park naturalist, Megan Wilkins, at Voyageurs National Park to learn about the fox family on Sunday, March 14.

Participants will meet at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the program runs from 2-4 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend as this program is recommended for ages 5 and up. There is no fee or registration required to attend.

Visitors are also encouraged to come early to browse through the museum, check out the winter displays in the interactive area, and go snowshoeing or skiing.

Fun, Foxy, and Family-Friendly originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 10:56:09.

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© NPS

The White House has unveiled the official souvenir egg and logo for the 2010 Easter Egg Roll which is taking place on April 5 in Washington, D.C.

This year’s egg comes in four colors – purple, pink, green, yellow – and includes stamped signatures of the President and First Lady. All eggs have been crafted from Forest Stewardship Council and packaging was designed to minimize waste and be more green. The National Park Foundation produces and sells the White House Easter Egg which is given as a souvenir to all children 12 years and younger who attend the White House Easter Egg Roll.

This year’s Easter Egg Roll is focused on promoting health and wellness with the theme, “Ready, Set, Go!” Tickets were selected in a lottery and are no longer available. However, souvenir eggs may be purchased online.

White House Souvenir Easter Eggs on Sale Now originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 17:28:49.

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© Unhindered by Talent via Flickr

Due to limited daylight, tons of snow, and just about zero visibility, the first woman attempting to scale Mount McKinley in the winter is waiting it out in snow cave. She and a partner have been living in the cave at about 10,000 feet  since last Sunday.

Christine Feret, a French woman who is now an American citizen, is hoping to be the first woman ever to scale the mountain during the winter. Only 16 people have ever pulled it off during the snowy season. Four actually died trying.

Feret is climbing with Artur Testov, a Russian-turned-Alaskan with plenty of climbing experience. This is his fourth attempt at McKinley at Denali National Park and Preserve. The two began their journey on February 23 and are hoping the weather clears up so they won’t have to dip into their fuel supply to stay warm.

Blizzard May Hinder First Women to Climb McKinley originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 11:09:56.

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© Lauren Himiak

Although there is no substitute to actually visiting a national park, it isn’t always that easy to travel for everyone. Luckily, the idea of virtual visiting is gaining attention.

Social networking media, such as Facebook, are helping parks gain attention and helping others explore their beauty without the need of a plane, train, or automobile. Check out Glacier National Park’s latest virtual tours to give you an idea of what you can find:

• YouTube: Everything from park safety films, video of recent park activities, and historic films
• Facebook: People can share their Glacier experiences with others
• Flickr: Digital images from the park are available to the public free-of-charge
• Twitter: Park news, current weather, and other updates
• Blogs: Park employees share their perspectives and experiences in a number of park
• RSS News Feed: Check out park news releases
• RSS Feed: Information on website updates, park events, and other park facts

Check out the link above and see if they inspire you to re-think that next vacation! And be sure to check out my own Facebook page for park news, pictures, and other fun information!

Virtual Visits Making Parks More Accessible originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 18:12:20.

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© Wikipedia

The National Parks of New York Harbor are celebrating Women’s History Month with a variety of special programs, perfect for you and the family. Call Mindi Rambo at 212-668-2208 or email for more information.

March 12: Visitors to St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site can learn about lives of women in 18th-century America based on symbolism and inscriptions on gravestones.

March 22: Visit Federal Hall National Memorial for “Symbols, Soldiers, Spies.” National Park Service rangers and costumed re-enactors bring to life the women who helped shape 18th-century North America.

March is Women’s History Month originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 10:56:06.

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© L.Brumm Photography via Flickr

Forget Miami. This Spring Break, check out Grand Canyon National Park who will be hosting the 3rd annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program sponsored by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with American Eagle Outfitters.

Two one-week ASB sessions will take place March 14- 20 and March 28- April 3. The program gives college students the opportunity to spend spring break volunteering to protect and preserve in one of America’s iconic national parks. This year, participants will assist in planting native vegetation, salvage plants, and remove graffiti along trails. Students will also have the opportunity to attend special presentations and explore the park on their own.

For more information, contact Kassy Theobald at 928-638-7857, Lori Makarick at 928-638-7455 (both at the park), or Kevin Hamilton, Student Conservation Association, at 603-372-7068.

Not Your Typical Spring Break originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 14:51:37.

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If you’re acquainted with a youngster who has an interest in national parks and likes to write, here’s a great opportunity: The Third Annual Junior Ranger Essay Contest is underway and it offers some nice prizes.

The contest is for kids between the ages of nine and twelve, and an entry will answer an interesting question: [i]If you were a National Park Ranger for a day, how would you describe t

Primary Photo: 

© Kelty

Kelty is well-known in the outdoor community for providing durable and useful gear. Now Kelty has teamed up with the Clinton Foundation, Jenny Dubin (a volunteer), and Partners in Health (an organization that brings modern medical care to poor communities) to help those struggling in Haiti.

In response to the January 10 earthquake, Kelty has donated almost 300 tents to help provide temporary shelter to children and families who were left homeless after the devastation.

“Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated employees and the strength of Kelty as a brand, we were in a position to lend a helping hand to those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti,” said Kenny Ballard, president of Kelty. “It’s our hope that this small donation will provide some much needed relief and restore some hope for the people of Haiti.”

Kelty Donates Tents to Homeless Families in Haiti originally appeared on About.com National & State Parks on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 10:45:20.

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Just wanted to give you a head’s up on the Sierra Club’s new, exciting opportunity that just may be The Best Internship on Earth.
One lucky young person will get to spend this summer traveling around the country to Sierra Club’s outdoor youth programs, including our Inner City Outings, Volunteer Vacations, and Building Bridges [...]