Make the Most of National Park Week 2011 at www.nationalparkweek.org

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Mar 29, 2011, 12:21 ET

--America Celebrates "Healthy Parks, Healthy People" During Week-Long, Fee FREE Event April 16 - 24--

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, is once again teaming up with the National Park Service to kick off National Park Week 2011 April 16th – 24th. Celebrating "Healthy Parks, Healthy People," national parks across the country are encouraging people to come visit, get outdoors, and embrace a healthy lifestyle, while also embracing the importance of keeping our parks protected and preserved. Best of all – all national parks will be FREE all week! From ranger-led hikes and kayak trips to camping and volunteer events, park visitors can start planning their National Park Week adventures now at www.nationalparkweek.org. There visitors will find resources on national park week events, special activities for visitors of all ages, details on how you can share your park adventure with other travelers, as well as information on how to support the parks.

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"With almost 400 national park units in our country, there are parks accessible to all Americans," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "We hope everyone will take advantage of this week-long celebration by getting outdoors to a national park and getting healthy. When you go, we invite you to bring a young person with you and show them the majesty of these places. By doing so, you guarantee the future of our parks for generations to come."

For more information on National Park Week and a full listing of events including details on park-specific Earth Day events (April 22), Junior Ranger Day activities (April 23), and ways to lend a hand in local parks on Volunteer Day (April 16), please visit www.nationalparkweek.org.

Whether it is during National Park Week or any other day of the year, it is the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations that allows the National Park Foundation to continue its Congressionally-chartered mission to support and protect America's treasured national parks. The National Park Foundation is proud to recognize Bank of America, Energizer, Peace Cereal and The North Face for their support of National Park Week.

Find out more about the work of the National Park Foundation and how to help at www.nationalparks.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks. Chartered by Congress, we work hand in hand with the National Park Service to strengthen and connect all Americans to our parks, so they are protected for present and future generations. It is a legacy that began more than a century ago, when private citizens took action to first establish, then protect and endow our national parks. Today, the National Park Foundation carries on that tradition as the only national charitable partner for America's national parks. To learn more visit www.nationalparks.org.

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Media Contact: Marjorie Hall, 202.354.6480

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SOURCE National Park Foundation