This year the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is celebrating its 14th annual Great American Campout campaign. Joining thousands of campers as they pledge to help protect wildlife, the campaign is targeted to connect children and families to the wonders of nature and the power of preservation.
On Aug. 11, the Jellystone Park of Estes Park, Colorado, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Colorado Wildlife Federation hosted a campout event at a Jellystone Park location. This was the third of five events throughout the campaign that were hosted at Jellystone Park locations across the country.
The day at Estes Park, Colorado was filled with educational activities including a guided family nature walk, wildlife themed crafts, camping tips, and more. The Colorado Wildlife Federation led an off-site beaver restoration project in partnership with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition. The restoration site, which is in the Fish Creek watershed, is about 20 minutes from the Jellystone Park location.
Children and families got an up-close look at some local wildlife as Dave Mizejewski, a naturalist with NWF, presented a series of protected animals. The animals, which were provided by the downtown Denver Aquarium included a serval, a macaw, a porcupine and a tortoise. The program helped show attendees the wonder of wild animals but also showcased the importance of wildlife protection.
Sound fun? We agree! There’s still time to join the NWF at the last Jellystone Park NWF event of the season on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park in Lincoln, Delaware. Join us and engage in a full day of animal-focused activities for you and your family. The Delaware event will focus primarily on wetland and migratory bird conservation including bird migration games, craft activities, and a voluntary off-site beach clean-up project and nature hike at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
Can’t make it to the event? Don’t worry. You can still pledge to “campout” as part of the Great American Campout. Anyone who takes the pledge to spend a night in nature – whether that be at a Jellystone Park location, at a local beach, at a campground, in a forest, or even just in your own backyard will be automatically entered to win a FREE week-long stay at one of the 80+ Jellystone Park locations in the United States or a brand-new Keystone Springdale Mini 1800 RV.
For more information on how you can help protect wildlife and for details regarding The Great American Campout, visit: https://www.nwf.org/Great-American-Campout.
