STORY SNAPSHOT
1. Through the U.S. Department of the Interior, last year all fourth graders and their families had free passes to national parks, national wildlife refuges and other Federals Lands. Because of the pandemic, most of those sites were closed.
2. Those same students who are now fifth graders have all admission fees waived through Aug. 31, 2021.
3. Secretary of the Interior made the announcement on Oct. 29, 2020 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Des Moines, Iowa.
4. The Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge is unique in that it has a wild herd of bison within an enclosure. Visitors can drive through the area but are not allowed out of their cars.
5. Bison are powerful animals because of their size and horns.
STORY by Judith Stanford Miller, Redwood Learn editor
Nov. 12, 2020 – Entrance fees to national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands are being waived for 5th grade students and their families from now until Aug. 31, 2021, according to the Department of the Interior. As for literally roaming free in the park, park rangers and parents will have a say in that!
Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt made the announcement on Oct. 29, 2020 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Des Moines, Iowa. This national refuge is unique in that it has a herd of bison roaming within a large enclosure. Neither adults nor children can roam with the buffalo but can watch the herd from the safety and comforts of a car on a road that winds through the enclosure.
Redwood Learn at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in 2016
Every Kid Outdoors (National Park Service)
Fifth grade students were included because through last year’s Every Kid Outdoors program, fourth grade students and their families were admitted free of charge. Because most parks were closed due to the pandemic, fourth graders could not take advantage of the Park Pass. Now that they are 5th graders, the Pass gives them free access to national parks and other Federal Lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Visiting a national park or wildlife refuge is the perfect way to break the monotony of being at home for long periods of time.
“National wildlife refuges offer people and families spaces to gather and enjoy the outdoors while benefiting wildlife, local watersheds and ecosystems. Through refuges, youth can discover the thrill of learning a new outdoor skill, such as hunting, fishing or birding that will create memories for the rest of their lives,” Aurelia Skipwith, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), said in a press release.
A majority of lands managed by the Department of the Interior remained accessible (open) to the public at the onset of the pandemic. These places were places of respite and rejuvenation and allowed for social distancing. Services were limited for visitors, in particular impacting the Every Kid Outdoors Program. Nearly all units and locations are currently accessible with many having restored services for the public to enjoy following proper public health and safety guidelines, the Interior Department said.
Families and students can download their 5th grade passes online at the National Park Service (NPS).
Bison
Before anyone gets the idea to try and get a selfie beside a bison, there are a few statistics to remember. Adult male bison (bulls) can grow to 2,000 pounds. They have a life span of 10 to 13 years. Female bison (cows) weigh slightly less and generally live longer. Bison bulls and cows are athletic animals.
Bison can jump six feet high and reach speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour for short distances. Oh, and bison grow horns that curl as they age. When challenged or scared, a bison will win every foot race against a human. Bison will strategically use their horns for defense. Is a selfie really worth that type of risk!?
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why are fifth graders and their families being given free passes to national parks, wildlife refuges and other Federal Lands?
2. Where was the announcement about the free Passes made?
3. Bison are also called buffalo. How fast can an adult bison run?
4. Can you run faster than a bison?
EXTRA! EXTRA! (Links and Inquiry Questions)
3. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (Iowa)
4. Through link #1 above, find a national park near you or in your state. Write a summary of its history and habitat.
5. Through link #2 above, find a national wildlife refuge near you or in your state. Write a summary of its history and habitat.