We have started a new consultancy project with Park Science for the National Park Service. Park Science is a publication that reports the implications of recent and ongoing natural and social science and related cultural research for park planning, management, and policy. We are learning an abundance of new information about the parks and scientific research!

National Geographic has a cool selection of vintage U.S. Parks posters. The posters were produced in response to the Great Depression as part of the WPA, artwork was created for public buildings while assisting struggling artists. Our current Great Recession has inspired more and more people to get out and enjoy a relatively cheap national parks vacation. There is always a silver lining. The poster above kind of reminds me of The Way In materials we designed for the Washington Parks and Forest Coalition.

This free event hosted by NPCA and NPS is filled with fun, hands-on activities for the entire family. This event will feature kid-friendly activities including rock climbing, wildlife encounters, a wild puppet show, and Junior Park Ranger programs. Park Rangers from Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier National Parks will be sharing stories about the wonders of our national parks.

Proudly sponsored by Puget Sound Energy, Slalom Consulting, Discover Your Northwest, The Mountaineers, REI, KCTS 9, and NWCN.

NPCA and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park host Seattle’s first annual NW National Park Family Day, at Steward Park on May 2nd. I can’t think of a better way to start the week than with a new project that celebrates our abundance of national parks in the NW.

Most Seattleites are well aware of the NW’s majestic beauty. Seriously, with mountain views in all directions we are quite spoiled. But did you know that Washington state has 14 National Park units? 12 of them are within 175 miles from Seattle. Of course everyone sees Mount Rainier NP on a clear day, and longs to go to Olympic NP to see the rain forest, sea stacks, or hot springs, but have you heard of the others? In Pioneer Square we have Klondike Gold Rush. To the north of Seattle we have Ebey’s Landing, San Juan Island, North Cascades NP, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan. To the west we have Lake Roosevelt, Nez Perce and Whitman Mission. To the South there is Fort Vancouver, and the Lewis and Clark Trail. Wow. That makes for a numerous road trips, each brimming with their own natural wonders and historical significance.

We designed National Park Family Day Event graphics in 08 and 09 for a similar event hosted by NPCA and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Not too worry Portlanders, Fort Vancouver is hosting this annual event on Saturday, May 15th.

Here’s a Google map of the NW National Parks. NPCA.org is a another great resource planning your next park visit!

Clans of the notoriously skittish Northwest Homo-Sapien are invited to shake off their cabin fever and roam wild for an afternoon at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Luring people in with free admission and inventive graphics influenced by the region’s topography, the Northwest National Parks provide a few moments with each unit’s Alpha. Environmental groups such as the National Park Conservation Association know that with each smile and friendly exchange vitality of our country’s irreplaceable national parks is ensured for future generations. Educational activities for the children and guided tours foster a communal atmosphere, turning new patrons into park regulars.

Seattle’s National Park Family Day Event will be on Saturday, June 25th.