It’s that time of year again. The Christmas countdown has begun!
Today we continue with the third of four posts on ideas for stocking stuffers and gifts for the RVer in your life.
The National Parks Pass
Bryce Canyon is one of 392 units managed by the National Park Service. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) manages 392 units, including 58 national parks and 74 national monuments. That adds up to 84 million acres of some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the world. Some 275 million visitors enjoy NPS lands each year.
The National Park Pass is valid for one year from the date of issue, and covers park entry fees for the recipient and up to three passengers in a vehicle. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Bureau of Reclamation.
You can purchase the pass online or in person at any national park for $80.
National Parks Conservation Association
By giving a gift membership, not only do you save yourself from the stress and crowds of department stores, but you’ll help protect America’s most treasured lands. The National Parks Conservation Association offers gift memberships starting at only $25. Gift members will also receive a fleece blanket as a welcome gift, plus a year’s subscription to the award-winning National Parks magazine.
To introduce family, friends, RVers in your life to the stunning beauty and rich history of our national parks, click here.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Jasper is one of several mountain national parks in Western Canada. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
A single pass gets you in! Whether you want to explore and appreciate Canada’s unique and diverse wildlife, wilderness, and natural environment, or discover the inspiring people, places, and events of the past, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is the one for you.
This annual pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy more than 100 National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas, and National Historic Sites across Canada that charge entry fees.
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass for a family or group (up to 7 people arriving together) sells for $136.40; adult $67.70; senior $57.90; and youth (ages 6-16) $33.30.
A special gift folder, only available when you buy online, allows you to personally dedicate the gift that never stops giving.
Canada’s National Parks: A Celebration
Canada’s National Parks: A Celebration. Photo courtesy Parks Canada
Parks Canada recently announced a beautiful new commemorative book, Canada’s National Parks: A Celebration, to mark the 125th anniversary of national parks in Canada and the upcoming 2011 centennial of Parks Canada as the world’s first national parks service.
This beautiful commemorative large format 256-page hardcover book showcases outstanding landscape photography within Canada’s 42 national parks.
The book brings together the work of forty of the country’s most respected contemporary photographers, accompanied by locator maps and concise descriptions for each park and includes some historic images of park visitors over the last century.
Canada’s National Parks: A Celebration retails for $29.95 and is available at most booksellers and can also be ordered online. The first printing of the book includes a detachable coupon that can be redeemed for a free family day pass at any Parks Canada national park, national historic site, or national marine conservation area.
To order online, click here.
Texas State Parks Pass
Stained glass window at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center at La Grande. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
The annual Texas State Parks Pass allows the card holder (and those guests riding in the same vehicle) to enter more than 90 Texas state parks and historic sites without paying the daily entrance fee. The pass is valid for twelve months from the time of purchase.
Card pass holders will also receive two coupons for 50% off camping (restrictions apply) and an automatic 10% discount at Texas State Park Stores and recreational equipment rentals and are eligible for other special promotions. A two night minimum stay is required to redeem 50% off camping coupons.
Card pass holders may sign up for e-mail updates from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about state parks that includes the State Parks Getaways e-newsletter which has the latest information on events and great parks to visit.
The Texas State Parks Pass is available at most state parks and historic sites, as well as through the Customer Service Center in Austin, Texas (1-512-389-8900).
To be continued tomorrow…
Worth Pondering…
For you are but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And happen to be of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you many years or few,
In some way you had a part in shaping things to do.
And every year about this time, I realize anew,
The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.
And may the Spirit of God that forever and ever endures,
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.