The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Great Falls in Potomac, Maryland will host a day full of events that will encourage children to connect to the nature of the C&O Canal. From 11:00am to 4:15pm, children and their families will have the chance to play historically accurate games from the nineteenth century, receive activity packets and Junior Ranger books, have a picnic in the park, watch as a nineteenth century replica excursion boat passes through a working lock along the canal, take part in a scavenger hunt, and shadow one of our Park Rangers! Visitors should mention that they are participating in Latino Conservation Week upon entering the park. Visitors should also consider wearing comfortable shoes and bring food and water for the picnic. The C&O Canal National Historical Park is a trash free park so we ask that visitors keep this in mind and bring bags for their trash.

Join us on a guided all-electric tram tour around the National Wildlife Visitor Center. Enjoy the views of the forest, meadows, wetlands, and the wildlife seen throughout the Patuxent Research Refuge. Tickets are free and all ages are welcome. Registration is required. Please call 301-497-5887 to reserve seats for this fun wildlife adventure.

As part of Latino Conservation week, Mississippi River State Park is presenting this program in Spanish. Snakes are a common critter found in the State Park and National Forest. Knowing a little bit about their purpose and how to stay snake aware can keep you and our native snakes safe. Park staff will cover how snakes play an essential role in keeping many of our pest populations in check. We will be sure to cover the ones you need to watch out for as well as discussing the ones that only pests need to worry about.

Come and enjoy a FREE boat ride on the Merrimack River along with music and fun activities for the whole family! Learn about the Merrimack's history as part of the industrial revolution, the environmental consequences from that revolution, and the conservation efforts of locals that helped recuperate the river into one that sustains and promotes life! Find out what you can do to make sure that we can continue to enjoy our rivers! Celebrate Latino Conservation Week and be part of the efforts to keep our natural resources safe for future generations!

An opportunity for participants to explore Lake Mead National Recreational Area in an interactive, educational and service-oriented way:

The event will feature a short introductory hike followed by seed cleaning and transplanting vegetation at the Lake Mead nursery. Participants will be able learn about native desert plants and the importance of conserving nature through hands-on activities alongside their peers and the National Park Service staff serving as experts in the environmental science field. They will be a part of the effort to conserve and protect these beautiful places for future generations to enjoy.

Please contact diana_tapia@partner.nps.gov for time and location details.

For the past 25 years or so, amphibians have been disappearing globally from developed areas as well as pristine environments. Scientists have identified multiple anthropogenic factors contributing synergistically to amphibian declines. Therefore, a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the amphibian decline phenomenon. The Amphibian Foundation, based in Atlanta, addresses SE regional as well as global amphibian declines through an international partnership focusing on targeted programs for specific imperiled amphibian species. The foundation also has a strong training and educational program for students and citizen scientists. Partnering with regional agencies, such as Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, GA DNR and Orianne Society, and federal partners such as USFWS and USGS as well as global partners like Amphibian Ark and the Amphibian Survival Alliance, the Amphibian Foundation provides a critical role in combatting amphibian declines at the global, as well as the neighborhood level. Currently, 43% of the world’s amphibian populations are documented as in decline or already extinct. The Amphibian Foundation provides a program that engages the community to become involved in saving this important and biodiverse group of animals.

Mark Mandica is the Executive Director of The Amphibian Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of amphibians.

We’ll begin this special restoration field trip with an easy, early morning walk around the wetlands followed by planting special native plants for a Monarch Waystation. All of the plants will be donated by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and we will work with Tucson Water as we partner together to enhance the opportunities at Sweetwater for butterflies and hummingbirds. You can take this opportunity to learn how to bring this habitat to your own home! Be prepared to get dirty and it could be hot. Bring gardening gloves, lots of water, and your binoculars! Planting will begin about 7:30 a.m. Limit to 15 participants. Please register for this trip here: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/tas/eventRegistration.jsp?event=4186&

A family friendly 5-mile bike ride! We will tour El Paso's unique downtown all the way to Music Under the Stars at Chamizal National Memorial. By biking, instead of driving, we express our commitment to environmental stewardship and our love for the outdoors. By riding through specific areas in downtown we celebrate our rich history and culture. By ending the tour at Chamizal National Memorial we celebrate the National Park Service's mission to preserve our natural and cultural resources. Bring a working bike, water, lights, tools, spare tube, snacks, blanket, picnic items, and a bike lock. Ice cream paletas provided!

Gentle Giraffes– Monday, July 10 & Saturday, July 15

What is tall, spotted, and has a long purple tongue? Come help us spot all fascinating things it takes to be a giraffe.

From the hands-on activities and meet and greets with some of our animal ambassadors, this program is designed specifically for 2 to 3 year olds. Let the adventure begin!

Family Nature Club is an opportunity for families to get outside together and explore nature! Each program takes place at various parks and nature centers around Houston, and is a great chance to find a new hangout for your herd. Meet like minded families, and know that you’re providing your little ones meaningful opportunities for exploration and play.

This month's adventure takes place at Buffalo Bayou Park at Waugh Drive. Ever heard of the Waugh Drive Bat Bridge? Come with us to go see it! We will explore some of the dirt paths and then watch the emergence of Texas’ largest colony of resident Mexican free-tailed bats!