SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA – In 2015, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks’ will commemorate Sequoia’s 125th Anniversary and Kings Canyon’s 75th Anniversary. The anniversary theme–“Celebrate. Timeless. Memories.”–is highlighted as part of a logo created and donated by artist David Williams. Events are being planned both inside and outside of the parks to honor a combined two centuries of preserving and protecting giant sequoias and the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada for the benefit of the American people. For more information about the anniversaries, including a current list of events, visit www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/index.htm.
Upcoming Events:
*Mar. 4 Kings Canyon 75th Anniversary (small event at Grant Grove Visitor Center); Fee Free Day
Details to be determined.
April 11-12 Big Hats Day in Clovis Ca.
April 18 – Junior Park Ranger Days in Both Parks , FEE FREE DAY
June 20 – Kings Canyon 75th Anniversary Event (rededication of the General Grant Tree as a living shrine to veterans)
Sequoia National Park is the nation’s second national park, established on September 25, 1890. Its organic legislation states “…whereas, the rapid destruction of timber and ornamental trees in various parts of the United States, some of which trees are the wonders of the world on account of their size and the limited number growing, makes it a matter of importance that at least some of said forests should be preserved.”Kings Canyon National Park, established March 4, 1940, incorporates lands initially protected as General Grant National Park (established October 1, 1890 and abolished March 4, 1940).
Of note, the park was established to ensure the permanent preservation of wilderness character 25 years prior to the passing of the Wilderness Act. The site protects the General Grant Tree, declared by legislation as the Nation’s Christmas Tree (1926) and a national shrine in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces (1956).
The Two Parks combined cover over 1353 Square Miles and are visited by over 1.5 million visitors each year. There a over 800 miles of trails in the parks and 275 cavs with a distance in tunnels nearly 35 miles in distance. For more interesting facts check out this link http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/upload/FINAL-SEKI-FACT-SHEET-2012m.pdf
Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter Google + and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com #goexplore