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 NEW BLOG: Be a Parks S.T.E.W.A.R.D
From dinosaur fossils to 19th century multi-tools, our state parks are home to many natural and cultural treasures. Most are housed in our Collections department or interpretive centers. They may be used for research or become part of kits that visit schools, libraries and museums.
It can be ridiculously cool to find such objects but, handled improperly, they can crumble or rot (like this mammoth tooth, pictured above left when found, and above right after months of improper care, before it was turned in to State Parks).??
We are responsible for protecting these resources ? and you can help!
?But how?? you might ask?
Learn to become a S.T.E.W.A.R.D of parks in our latest blog posting!
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 Enter our gift card giveaway by September 23!
In celebration of National Public Lands Day coming up on Saturday, we are giving away a $100 gift card on social media!?
Gift cards can be applied to camping spots, yurts, cabins and more!?
To enter, go to our Facebook or Instagram and follow the instructions in the caption. The giveaway closes on September 23 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). The winner will be contacted on September 25 via email.
National Public Lands Day was established in 1994 and is held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. It celebrates the connection between people and green spaces in their community - inspiring environmental stewardship and encouraging the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits.
National Public Lands Day falls on September 23, 2023, and is also one of our Discover Pass free days. Save the date!
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 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Millersylvania
More than 900,000 Latino-Hispanic Washingtonians call this state home. Latino-Hispanic people, including many born in Washington, make up 12+% of our state?s population ? and 20+% in several central Washington counties!
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, and the following weekend, on Sept. 23, our Folk and Traditional Arts Program, in partnership with Washington State?s Latino Leadership Network, will host the second annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Millersylvania State Park near Olympia.
The free event features music, dance, traditional dress, food, keynote speaker Alfie Alvarado-Ramos (former director of Washington Department of Veterans Affairs), state agency outreach booths, and community. Registration is required. There are still open spots.
Photo by Alfie Alvarado
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Make your same-day camping reservations!
We are excited to expand our pilot program for same-day reservations at select parks.
Beginning Sept. 5, park visitors can make same-day camping reservations at Millersylvania and Cape Disappointment as well as Deception Pass, which has offered same-day reservations for more than five years. With the expansion of the program, Deception Pass will also begin accepting same-day reservations during the off season.
Visitors can make same-day camping reservations during the following timeframes:
- June 1? Sept. 30: reservations can be made until 8:00 p.m.
- Oct. 1 ? May 31: reservations can be made until 4:00 p.m.
Same-day reservations are only available for campsites. They do not apply to group sites, roofed accommodations, vacation rentals or other facilities.
Same-day reservations can be made just like regular reservations. Book your stay online here, or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688).
Photo by Freya Fennwood
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We've streamlined our Foster Family Pass Program with a new application process and an official discount pass. That means many more foster families will be able to access this discount program!
The changes include a new, easier application process, an official discount pass card for families to carry and an expansion of the program to include more qualifying families. Get your Foster Family Pass application here.
Currently, foster families must show a Washington driver?s license and foster license or caregiver ID card to prove they qualify, which has been challenging and excludes many Washingtonians who provide out-of-home care for children. Families can still use the current system of proof until June 1, 2024. After that, they'll need the Foster Family Pass to participate.
Get help with applications and trip planning from our Information Center: 360-902- 8844 or [email protected].
Photo by Freya Fennwood
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 Photo by Freya Fennwood
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Free Yays!
Remaining Discover Pass free days in 2023:
Mark your calendars for the four remaining days this year when you won?t need a Discover Pass for day-use parking:
- Saturday, Sept. 23 ? National Public Lands Day
- Tuesday, Oct. 10 ? World Mental Health Day
- Saturday, Nov. 11 ? Veterans Day
- Friday, Nov. 24 ? Autumn Day
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