National Park – Page 5

Get Involved at a National Park!

Published on April 16, 2024July 15, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Are you a fan of national parks? Beyond just paying them a visit, do you want to get more involved in their events and activities? Then National Park Week is for you!!

In August of 1991, the very first National Park Week was established to honor the National Park Service’s 75^th anniversary. Since then, it has been celebrated in April alongside Earth Day. This year, National Park Week is April 20-28, and each day is themed around a unique aspect of the national parks.

April 20 – Discovery/ Park Rx Day

To kick off the week and also encourage people to discover a new park, entrance fees at all national parks are waived on April 20!

It is also Park Rx Day, focusing on the connection between the health of people, the health of parks, and the health of our planet.

If you are in Missouri, we highly recommend attempting the NPS Wellness Challenge. All seven of the national park sites in Missouri offer challenges in three categories that visitors can complete: mental, physical, and learning. If you complete a challenge, you can earn a Wellness Challenge Badge!

Visitors take a walk through history as part of the NPS Wellness Challenge at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Credit: NPS

April 21 – Volunteers

Have you ever wanted to volunteer at a national park but either lived too far away or could not find activities that fit your schedule? Now you can volunteer VIRTUALLY as a citizen archivist! Ahead of the upcoming 250^th anniversary of American Independence, the National Archives and Records Administration is collaborating with the National Park Service to have volunteers transcribe Revolutionary War Pension Records. These records hold incredible, untold stories of the American Revolution, and once transcribed, will be a permanent contribution to our country’s historical record.

Want to get outside to volunteer? Gateway Arch National Park is having its first ever BioBlitz on April 28. Volunteers will use the iNaturalist app to document various types of wildlife found in the park.

April 22 – Earth Day

On Earth Day, you can join an event at a park near you, or you can learn about all the great ways to practice conservation at home. By taking a few small steps, you can do your part to help protect pollinators, birds, bats, oceans, and even our night skies!

April 23 – Innovation

National Park sites are full of innovative ideas, programs, and technology. For Innovation Day, check out a few of our past blog posts about innovation in some of our partner parks:

Archeological exploration at Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park. Credit: NPS

April 24 – Workforce Wednesday

On April 24, the National Park Service is hosting a special virtual event, “Then/Now/Tomorrow: Empowering Our Future Conservation and Climate Stewards.” This is a great opportunity for teens and young adults to learn about volunteer and career opportunities in parks!

April 25 – Youth Engagement

After joining the webinar on Workforce Wednesday, young people between the ages of 15 and 18 can take the next step on their National Park Journey by researching and applying for opportunities with the Youth Conservation Corps! One of our partner parks, Voyageurs National Park, even has an upcoming opportunity May 13 – June 13 for Corps members to repair boardwalks and complete trail maintenance in the park.

*Youth Conservation Corps installing a bridge at Niobrara National Scenic River. Credit: NPS*

April 26 – Community Connections

Did you know that the National Park Service’s work does not stop at a park’s boundary? Every day, parks across the country partner with their surrounding communities to expand their mission of conserving the natural and cultural resources of our country for the “enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” A few notable examples in the JNPA network of sites include:

Challenging History: A St. Louis Collaborative– This network of historic sites, museums, parks, and educational institutions in St. Louis, MO, challenges the traditional historical narratives to build more inclusive, place-based storytelling about St. Louis’ pasts. Members include Gateway Arch National Park, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, and Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area– This park is incredibly unique because the National Park Service owns only 67 of the 54,000 acres that the park encompasses. The rest is made up of city, state, and regional parks, a national wildlife refuge, and private businesses and homes. This “partnership park” can only achieve its mission by working closely with the community to achieve their shared goals.
Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI)- This outstanding grant program is funded by the National Park Service and co-administered by JNPA. These grants fund small-scale cultural heritage projects at not-for-profit community organizations in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region.

Crosby Farm at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Credit: NPS

April 27 – Junior Ranger Day

“Explore. Learn. Protect.” This is the motto of the NPS Junior Ranger program, an activity-based program to help kids of all ages learn about parks. On Junior Ranger Day, a variety of special events will be hosted at parks across the country, including Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park, and Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

Swearing in a Junior Ranger at Voyageurs National Park Credit: NPS

April 28 – Arts in the Parks

When you think of national parks, art may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, all five of the “fine arts” play an important role at national park sites.

Painting – Beginning in the 1800’s, beautiful landscapes of the American West were captured by the painters of the Hudson River School. These paintings helped inspire support for the creation of the national parks. This tradition continues today with the NPS Artist-in-Residence program.
Sculpture – The Ellsworth Rock Gardens at Voyageurs National Park is home to over 200 abstract rock sculptures.
Architecture– Standing at 630 ft, one of the most iconic architectural marvels in the National Park Service is the Gateway Arch.
Music – Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Oxford American, and composers Christopher Parker and Kelley Hurt partnered to create a musical tribute to the Little Rock Nine, a jazz composition entitled “The No Tears Suite.”
Poetry – A new initiative this year is “Poetry in Parks.” U.S. National Poet Laureate Ada Limón selected historic American poems which will be displayed as public works of art on picnic tables in seven national parks. The installations will be unveiled throughout the summer and fall.

*Rock sculptures at Ellsworth Rock Gardens/Voyageurs National Park. Credit: NPS*

No matter what theme speaks to you, no matter how old you are, no matter if you visit in person or virtually, go to a national park next week!

Learning Together

Published on March 19, 2024July 15, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

“I left my heart in San Francisco. High on a hill, it calls to me.” Tony Bennett famously sang of the captivating beauty of San Francisco, and a few JNPA staff members were lucky enough to experience that beauty earlier this month at the 2024 Public Lands Alliance Annual Convention.

The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is a network of nonprofit partners of America’s public lands. Since 1977, PLA has connected public lands partners to agency leaders, socially conscious corporations, and to each other while providing resources for training, education, and collaboration. Each year, PLA holds an annual convention which brings together its members to participate in educational sessions, networking events, field trips to public lands sites, and a trade show featuring educational and public lands-related products.

This year, the convention was held March 4-8 in San Francisco. For some attendees, the week began with “field trips” to public lands sites in the Bay area, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point National Historic Site, and the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

The convention officially began with a session about how organizations in the Bay Area have collaborated to create inclusive experiences and outdoor spaces in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The session ended with a bang — literally! The incredible percussionists and dancers of Fogo na Roupa, a Bay Area Brazilian Carnaval performance group, gave a performance that got everyone up on their feet dancing along. Attendees were then treated to an opening reception themed around Rosie the Riveter, including a visit from a real-life “Rosie,” Jeanne Gibson. Jeanne was a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyard from 1944-1945 and now volunteers for Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

A whirlwind of sessions began bright and early Tuesday morning and continued the rest of the week. A few highlights included:

A panel discussion on outdoor stewardship and wellness;
A case study on the work done in the Marianas Islands to commemorate indigenous stories;
An in-depth guide to ethical storytelling;
A panel discussion about how the National Park Service and others are collaborating with the Native American veterans of the Alcatraz Occupations to highlight their personal stories while creating a new Alcatraz exhibit about Indigenous history and the occupations.
An education session about how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service are using innovative new ways to prevent birds from colliding with glass at federal sites, as well as how the public can make their homes and businesses safer for birds.

Not only were attendees able to attend the illuminating education sessions, but there were a few extra opportunities both in and out of the convention. One evening, PLA hosted a screening of the breathtaking documentary, “Out There: A National Park Story” followed by a discussion with filmmaker Brendan Hall.

During one of the convention’s general sessions, the Public Lands Alliance surprised attendees with an early announcement of a few winners of its coveted Partnership Awards. Jefferson National Parks Association won Best Innovative Product for our virtual reality experience Cobblestones and Courage!

JNPA attendees took a few individual excursions outside the convention. One person visited Alcatraz Island in Golden Gate Recreation Area. A featured experience at Alcatraz is the highly immersive audio tour of the cellhouse, which is narrated by former guards and inmates. Alcatraz is also home to several types of wildlife and is the second largest seagull nesting ground in the world.

JNPA’s retail team visited the Golden Gate Bridge Store, which is operated by Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. They were very impressed by how well the store mixes both product merchandising and storytelling through exhibits.

The convention concluded with a special presentation by Rue Mapp, Founder & CEO of Outdoor Afro. Rue spoke about her life and the inspiring story of how she created this organization dedicated to bringing the African American community closer to nature. She also talked about the benefits of people connecting with the outdoors and how public lands can play a vital role in improving community health.

While each attendee came into the convention with different perspectives and goals, it is safe to say that everyone left with a shared sense of appreciation that we all get to play even a small part in supporting our amazing public lands.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s…

Published on February 20, 2024April 22, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Pop quiz! What animals are small, furry, eat thousands of mosquitoes every night, and are critical to many natural ecosystems? Bats!

National parks are home to 45 species of these cute (to some!) little mammals, each of which play an important role in nature. Yet they have recently been decimated by a deadly disease. Luckily, Missouri National Recreational River and many other national parks are working to rescue bat populations.

Why is it so important to protect bats? In contrast to the pop culture depiction of tiny flying vampires, most bats eat insects, fruit, plant nectar, or small animals such as fish or frogs. In fact, only three of the nearly 1,500 bat species in the world drink blood, and they only live in Central and South America. Insect-eating bats feed on so many flying pests that their contributions would add up to more than $3 billion worth of pest control in the United States alone!

*A lesser long-nosed bat covered in pollen from an agave flower. Credit NPS.*

Additionally, bats are excellent pollinators. Do you enjoy tequila? Well, thank bats because they are the number one pollinator of blue agave! Bats also contribute to the ecosystem by supporting cave communities, distributing seeds from the fruit they eat, and serving as prey to other animals. Bats have even inspired technological advances such as sonar systems designed after bats’ echolocation and new types of drones inspired by bats’ thin, flexible wings!

It’s clear that bats are AMAZING animals, so what is wreaking so much havoc on their populations? It’s a disease known as white-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus infects bats during hibernation, covering their face and wings. This causes the bats to wake up more frequently, use up their fat reserves, and starve before winter is over. The fungus is easily transmitted through physical contact, either with infected bats or on cave surfaces. Because the fungus spreads through contact, it can also be carried on shoes, clothing, and supplies. That’s why scientists urge people who visit caves to thoroughly decontaminate all of their clothing, shoes, and supplies before and after their visit.

*A northern long-eared bat with visible symptoms of white-nose syndrome. Credit US Fish and Wildlife Service.*

Missouri National Recreational River, a JNPA partner park, began an acoustic monitoring program in 2014 to monitor bat populations in and around the park. Acoustic recorders were installed to detect the calls bats use for echolocation. Different species of bats have different calls, so this system can also determine what species are in and around the park. Researchers then review the recordings and analyze the data.

*A bat acoustic monitoring station at Missouri National Recreational River. Credit NPS.*

So far, scientists have determined that eight species of bat call the park home: the big brown bat, eastern red bat, hoary bat, silver-haired bat, little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, evening bat, and tri-colored bat. Although white-nose syndrome has been detected in nearby populations in South Dakota, thankfully it has not been detected within the park boundaries.

If you want to learn more about bats and how to help protect them and their habitats, visit the National Park Service website.

Soldiers on Two Wheels

Published on February 6, 2024April 2, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

If you’ve ever taken a verrrrry long bicycle ride, you know the physical endurance needed for such an undertaking. Now imagine biking off-road through mountain ranges, mud, deep sand, and flowing streams, all while carrying heavy supplies. For more than 1,900 miles!

That’s just what members of the U.S. Army’s 25^th Infantry accomplished – in 1897 no less. The so-called Iron Riders were members of the famed Buffalo Soldiers, all-black regiments who served on the American frontier in the mid-1800s. A living history program this weekend at Gateway Arch National Park will recount the Riders’ grueling journey.

As the popularity of bicycles soared worldwide at the end of the 19^th century, the Army decided to evaluate their use for certain military operations. Military leaders commissioned a long-distance experiment that would test the efficiency of bikes as a way of moving troops. In May 1897, the all-Black 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps embarked from Missoula, Montana, bound for St. Louis – a journey of nearly 2,000 miles. Their heavy bikes were laden with all they would need for the trip: cooking supplies and food, rifles and ammunition, tent and poles, and clothing. The combined weight of these provisions and the heavy one-speed bike was 59 pounds!

The arduous journey took 41 days, an average of about 50 miles per day. The men endured severe storms, extreme heat, food and water shortages, illness from tainted water, and racism and hostility from local residents. In the words of the bicycle corps’ leader Lt. James Moss, “We made and broke camp in the rain; we traveled through mud, water, sand, dust, over rocks, ruts, etc.; for we crossed and recrossed mountain ranges, and forded streams, carrying our rations, rifles, ammunition, tents, blankets, extra underwear, medicines, tools, repairing material, cooking utensils and extra bicycle parts.”

On July 24, 1897, the Iron Riders arrived in St. Louis to great fanfare. Thousands of locals gathered to cheer the finale of what national newspapers called the Great Experiment. Yet despite several attempts to assemble subsequent experimental rides, the corps was ordered to return to Montana. No permanent military bicycle corps was ever established, and the Army soon shifted its focus towards the use of trucks and other motorized vehicles.

To learn more about the journey of the Iron Riders, be sure to attend the program at the Arch this Saturday, from 11:00 to 2:00. A re-enactor will be on hand to discuss the riders’ trial and triumphs. Admission is free and no reservation is required.

We Aim to Puzzle You! 🧩

Published on January 23, 2024April 2, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Are you puzzling over what to do with yourself during cold winter days? Well, wonder no more. In honor of National Puzzle Day on January 29, we suggest cozying up indoors with a fun (or maybe maddeningly challenging) puzzle!

JNPA is crazy for puzzles; we sell a wide variety at our partner park stores. Some are three- dimensional and require manual dexterity (and patience!). Others are flat jigsaw puzzles, both single- and double-sided. Some are kid-friendly, others will challenge any grown-up. The artwork on some of our puzzles are custom-designed for a specific park, while others have a broader national parks theme.

Check out some of our more popular puzzles:

Puzzle fiends who love a challenge will want to snag this 1,000-piece national parks puzzle featuring a colorful montage of national park patches.

But if you like your 1,000 pieces divided into two puzzles, go for one of our two-sided Gateway Arch jigsaw puzzles. When you’re done with one side, just break the pieces apart and start on the other side.

If two-dimensional puzzles aren’t your thing, how about trying your hand at some tricky 3D building sets? Warning – they’re challenging! We offer two buildable models of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse, one made from plastic mini-blocks and the other from wood.

Our Arch mini-building block set has 1,913 pieces – enough to keep a team of puzzlers busy for weeks. When completed, it stands more than 14” high.

The pieces for this wooden Arch model are first popped out of their cards, then assembled into a handsome 16” replica.

And finally, to help start your kids off right (and not discourage them!), we offer these little Gateway Arch mini puzzles: either this adorable 24-piece set with a cute carrying strap or a slightly more challenging 140-piece puzzle – they’re great for travel.

One of these projects is sure to be just right for a winter’s day. Happy puzzling!

What’s “App-ening” at our National Parks?

Published on January 9, 2024April 2, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Are you planning a trip to a national park in 2024? Wouldn’t it be handy to have all the important information about the park at your fingertips, both before you go and while you’re there? Now you can – with the NPS app.

The free app was created by National Park Service rangers with visitors in mind. It provides up-to-date information about each of the nearly 430 national park sites across the country to help you make the most of your visit. You can even download content for offline use, which comes in handy if you’re exploring remote areas in parks or have concerns about data limits.

The tools provided by the app range from the basic to the esoteric. Once you click on the Explore Full Park tab, you’ll find directions and interactive maps; lists of park amenities like food, restrooms, shopping, and accessibility accommodations; information on special events, ranger programs, and self-guided tours; and recommendations for points of interest and recreation opportunities.

Some parks include more specialized information for visitors with unique interests. History buffs can find out how to access the archives at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, for instance. Or winter sport enthusiasts can learn about snowshoeing or sledding opportunities at Voyageurs National Park.

Other examples of highlights that the app offers for visitors to our partner parks include information on how to:

Rent a kayak and embark on a scenic river ride at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Listen to a new narrated self-guided walking tour through the town at Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park. Or take an audio-described self-guided tour at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
Sign up for a ranger-led boat tour of Voyageurs National Park.

At President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site, learn about additional sites related to Clinton’s early life elsewhere in Hope, Arkansas.
Learn about the “volcano” (that really wasn’t a volcano) at Missouri National Recreation River.

If for no other reason, you’ll appreciate the app for its real-time updates on conditions within a park, such as road closures, long entry lines, weather advisory warnings, fees, and reservation information.

The NPS App is currently available for iOS- and Android-powered devices such as phones or tablets. You can download it for free through the App Store and Google Play.

Let’s Get Crafty!

Published on December 26, 2023February 20, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

When the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, families can start to get cabin fever. If you and your loved ones are looking for fun activities, we’ve got you covered! Lucky for national park enthusiasts, there are several activities inspired by our favorite parks that can help pass the time during the long winter months.

Crochet a Walleye

Voyageurs National Park has 54 species of fish that can be found in the park’s aquatic habitats! Walleyes are some of the most popular, and you can make a cute, cuddly one for yourself. This activity is great for both older kids and adults. If you are new to crocheting, this is a great pattern to try, since it is on the simpler side. Click here to view the instructions.

Make a Telescope

On May 14, Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery embarked from St. Louis, MO on an expedition to find a route to the Pacific Ocean. This expedition has been commemorated by many public lands sites along the route they journeyed, including Gateway Arch National Park and the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavin’s Point Dam. While the kids in your life are cooped up indoors, you can make these working telescopes and go on your own pretend expedition. Since the telescopes are actually functional, you can also use them to view the winter landscape and wildlife out your window! Click here to view the instructions.

Bake an Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

One of visitors’ favorite rooms at President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site is the quaint 1940s-era kitchen, which is fitted out to look as it did when President Clinton lived in the home as a child. It is easy to imagine the family enjoying many warm meals in the modest home, including a nice pie like the one on display. If you want to recreate that same cozy feeling, try baking a delicious old-fashioned apple pie. You can serve it warm on a chilly day or make it à la mode with some vanilla ice cream! Click here to view the instructions.

Weave a Diversity Heart

On September 23, 1957, nine African American teenagers entered Little Rock Central High School, defying an angry mob of adults protesting the desegregation of the school. Today, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates the story of those brave students as well as the broader civil rights movement in the United States. It is vital that we learn about and remember the struggles in our nation’s history.

If you’d like to help a young person learn to respect people with all shades of skin color, we have a fun craft for you – create a diversity heart. This charming activity was created for classroom students but it’s easy to do at home and doesn’t require many materials. Once it’s complete, it can display the many different skin tones we see in the world, including yours! Just follow the step-by-step instructions here.

Create a Stuffed Horse

Fans of Ulysses S. Grant probably know the former U.S. president was a superb horseman who kept a number of horses while he lived at White Haven. How about creating a little horse of your own? Younger kids will probably need help making this unique little craft, but the teamwork will be half the fun!

You’ll find complete instructions on making your stuffed horse here.

Make a Whirligig

Kids have always played with toys, but a few hundred years ago there were no stores or websites that sold toys. So what did a child play with when growing up in French Colonial America, like in Ste. Ge n eviève, Missouri? They created their own toys!

A whirligig was a favorite among 18^th century children. This little spinning toy was easy to make from just a few common materials, such as buttons, worn out coins, or hammered musket balls. It was almost as much fun to make as it was to play with.

Want to make your own paper whirligig? Check out these simple instructions. The more you decorate it, the better it looks!

A Park by Any Other Name…

Published on December 12, 2023February 20, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Let’s test your national park knowledge.

What do the following sites have in common (aside from the word “national”): National Battlefield, National Memorial, National Preserve, National Trail, National Monument, National Seashore, and National Cemetery? Answer: they’re all part of the National Park Service (NPS).
Of the 425 sites in the national park system, how many are actually national parks? Answer: Only 63. Wait, what?
What’s the difference between a national historic site and a national historical park? Answer: Ugh, don’t ask!*

If you’re confused, you’re not alone. There are more than two dozen designations given to the hundreds of sites in the national park system. Some titles are self-explanatory and suggest the type of attraction one can find in the park unit. These include sites that are primarily natural (e.g., national parks or preserves), historical (e.g., national historic sites or historical parks), military (e.g., national battlefields or battlefield parks), or recreational (e.g., national recreation areas).

But many other names are, let’s say, curious. In fact, both NPS and Congress are working to simplify the criteria and names of the park service units. Until they do, here are a few general guidelines that might help us untangle the mess when we consider our nine partner sites.

National parks – The 63 national parks are typically large, naturally diverse areas containing unique natural features and ecological resources. Think Yosemite National Park or Voyageurs National Park. An exception to this rule, however, happens to one of our favorite sites: Gateway Arch National Park, which Congress upgraded to national park from national memorial in 2018.

National preserves – These can be similar to national parks in size but typically allow use such as hunting or oil extraction that aren’t permitted in national parks.

National recreation areas – These usually encompass areas with water-based recreation, like Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and may include boating, fishing and hunting.

National monuments – These sites are intended to preserve a single significant natural feature, like Devils Tower National Monument, or important historical feature, like George Washington Carver National Monument. Monuments usually have fewer diverse attractions than do national parks.

Wild and scenic rivers –- Of the many river designations in the Park Service, this one encompasses rivers that are free flowing and protected from damaging development and use. Missouri National Recreational River, for example, includes two free flowing stretches of the winding Missouri River.

*National historic sites vs. historical parks – Although both of these designations preserve sites of historic significance, a national historical park (like Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park) is usually larger and of greater complexity than a national historic site (like Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site).

These are far from the only designations within the National Park Service. You’ll find additional descriptions here.

High School Students Solve Real-World Engineering Problems at Gateway Arch National Park

Published on November 30, 2023January 23, 2024 by JNPA1 Comment

The Gateway Arch tram system is a one-of-a-kind invention that incorporates components of both Ferris Wheels and elevators in its design. There is nothing else quite like it in the world – and it was invented in only two weeks by Richard Bowser.

It is in this engineering spirit that the Gateway Arch National Park Engineering Contest was created. The contest, held in association with Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, challenges teams of high school students to create a solution for a real engineering problem that exists in the park. The winning team takes home the coveted Richard Bowser Trophy, which they keep until next year’s competition.

Nine teams from area high schools participated in the 7th Annual Gateway Arch National Park Engineering Contest, making this year’s competition the fiercest yet. Each year students are presented with a different engineering challenge. This year’s challenge asked students to engineer a system for automatically adjusting the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch dock to the appropriate level as the river rises and falls.

Situated on the river beneath the shadow of the Gateway Arch, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch have been cruising the Mississippi since 1910. The Riverboats offer daily sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, private charters, and specialty cruises to tourists and locals.

The boats’ dock structure is 303 feet long and consists of 4 barges. Keeping the dock tethered to the levee are four electric winches, one hydroelectric winch, and five cables. There are also utility lines that must be moved as the dock position varies with the water levels.

With the river level fluctuating daily, the dock must be frequently adjusted, so the ramps are not in the water and the docks themselves do not become grounded. Currently, these adjustments are made by hand, a time-consuming process that requires the full crew.

In September 2023, students participating in the contest toured the dock with a park ranger and members of the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch team, so they could see how the winches are used, measure the area, take photographs, receive blueprints, and have any initial questions answered. Using this information, the students produced an executive summary that included pictures, diagrams and other visual aids to communicate their design, as well as a budget for the project.

The competition final was held at Washington University’s McKelvey Engineering complex in Whitaker Hall on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Each of the nine teams presented an executive summary to a panel of six judges (all professional engineers). The teams were judged on both their executive summary content and presentation. They were scored in categories ranging from innovative design, functionality, and ease of use to responsible budget and realistic possibility of the design.

According to Gateway Arch National Park, this year’s contest was fierce and the most competitive yet, with the first-place school winning the trophy by only half a point! Christian Brothers College High School placed first, with teams from St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS) taking second and third place. Both STL CAPS teams received the award for Best Executive Summary, as they remarkably tied with a 45.83 score out of 50 points.

The Parkway Spark! program also had two teams enter the competition. The Sparkles took home the award for Best Presentation after receiving a near-perfect presentation score of 49.33 out of 50. Student Ryder Risko of the Parkway Spark! River Tech team received the Charles Janson MVP Award.

The Taylor Tuleja McKelvey Award for Creativity and Ingenuity went to Kate Hulsen of St. Joseph’s Academy.

Other participating teams included Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis – High School, St. Louis University High School, and Gibault Catholic High School, the 2022 contest winner.

In addition to the competition component, the contest final included a presentation from a professional engineer, a luncheon, and a guided tour of McKelvey School of Engineering for all contest participants and their families and friends in attendance – an excellent opportunity for students considering the engineering field.

For more information on this year’s contest visit gatewayarchengineeringcontest.com. To inquire about participating in the 8^th Annual Gateway Arch National Park Engineering Contest in 2024, contact Anthony Gilpin, at tony_gilpin@nps.gov.

Something For Everyone

Published on November 28, 2023January 23, 2024 by JNPALeave a comment

Working on your holiday gift-giving list? We’ve got you covered! Our partner parks have the perfect gifts for all of your loved ones. What’s more — you don’t even have to leave home when you shop from JNPA’s online store.

We stock a broad assortment of unique, curated products that evoke our parks’ themes and stories. From books to apparel to children’s toys, you can find something for everyone on your list. And when you shop, you’ll feel good knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of our public lands.

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find:

Winter is a perfect time to cozy up to a great book. We have titles for almost any reader’s taste, but may we recommend Grant for the history lover on your gift list? This all-encompassing portrait of our 18^th president by Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow is often called the definitive biography of Ulysses S. Grant.

Know someone who loves hot drinks? Consider this handsome pottery mug that commemorates our newest park partner, Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park. The glossy navy blue mug is hand crafted in the U.S. by Deneen Pottery.

Puzzle fanatics will thank you (or curse you?) when they receive this beautiful jigsaw puzzle featuring colorful patches from national parks. With 1,000 pieces, it’s not for the faint of heart!

You’ll never go wrong when you gift an ornament for the holiday tree. We have a wide selection of styles and materials to choose from, from mid-century to stained glass to copper, including several collector’s items. There’s our handmade Cloisonné ornament depicting Gateway Arch National Park, which comes in its own beaded box – a stunning addition to any tree.

Another beauty is the hand-painted ornament featuring the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site. This too comes in its own satin gift box. Or how about the colorful stained-glass ornament from Voyageurs National Park? Its three translucent sections at the top represent the park’s dazzling sunsets over the lakes.

The teenagers on your list will be captivated by The Worst First Day, the powerful autobiography of civil rights icon Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine. This anti-bullying book provides critical lessons that help young people learn to resist bullying and stay strong in the face of challenges.

Last but not least, some ideas for the kids. If they love parks and the outdoors, they’ll enjoy our Junior Ranger mini building block sets – one for boys and another for girls.

Of course, you can drop into any of our park stores to find a more complete product selection. But if you order online, be sure to do so by December 11 to ensure your gifts will arrive on time.