MPNHA Press Release – MPHNA – 10 years and going strong
Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service
On 25 August 2016 the National Park Service celebrates its 100th year serving the United States, her citizens, and the countless visitors to our great nation!
As a way to help citizens and visitors join in the celebration the National Parks will host free days for park goers. The beginning of the second century stewardship, the National Park Service, will begin with engaging communities in recreation, teaching conservation, and educating others concerning historic preservation programs.
The National Park Service invites all to find your park to discover the programs in your very own back yard, or venture to the many National Parks outside your backyard.
The state of Utah has five National Parks, the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area boasts three of those National Parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.
Check with the National Park of your choosing to find your park’s free admission day as part of the Centennial Celebration.
Find your park, explore the great outdoors, take park tours to learn all there is to know about these great American historic places! Go to National Park Service, to plan your visit.
Make sure and check out the National Park Service website to make the most of the centennial celebration! Find Your Park, find some fun, find quality time to spend with your family, neighbors, friends, and spare an adventure during the Centennial Celebration of the National Park Service as a way to connect with other.
ANNOUNCING EVERY KID IN A PARK
The Federal Land Management agencies, National Parks, National Park Service, Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the White House have joined together in a partnership to initiate the EVERY KID IN A PARK incentive. This program is designed to give every fourth grader and their families to visit all our country’s natural treasures. The history of our great country can engage each student to enjoy the beauty, culture, and enjoy the federal lands and waters free of charge.
This initiative began 01 September 2015 and ends on August 31, 2016. The free pass allows free access to the national forests, national parks, and national wildlife refuges, and so much more.
The National Park Foundation which is the nation’s official charity for the National Parks has been raising funds to work with connecting the fourth graders of our nation to have free access to all of public land and waters in America. A division of the Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids program, is designed to remove stumbling blocks for our fourth graders admission into the wonderlands of our natural parks and water ways. The Every Kid in a Park initiative has been designed for students in under served and urban communities. Due to the schools wide cutbacks in funding for grants for fields trips, the strategic funding will hopefully provide a learning experience for all fourth graders and their families.
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is the only Federally recognized Heritage Area with three National Parks.
These are: Bryce Canyon National Park: Boulder Loop District
Ray Mathis/NPS
Capitol Reef National Park in the Boulder Loop District
Zion National Park: Under the Rim District.
Here’s The Ultimate Terrifying Southern Utah Road Trip And It’ll Haunt Your Dreams
Here’s The Ultimate Terrifying Southern Utah Road Trip
And It’ll Haunt Your Dreams
from www.onlyinyourstate.com by Katherine Rees on February 25, 2016.
Although not all of the locations listed are in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, many have connections with the heritage area. Of the nine featured by Only In My State. Rees identified Salina, Sevier County, Marysvale, Piute County, Kanab, Kane County, and Grafton, Washington County in the Under The Rim Heritage Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area in Southern Utah that are reportedly haunted. To check out the additional featured location visit www.onlyinyourstate.com.
Follow my road trip on Google Maps, and feel free to add a few extra spots, if you’d like.
The trip is designed to cover two days, with an overnight at the reportedly haunted Moore’s Old Pine Inn, located in Marysvale. If you have the time, don’t miss the side trip to Latuda!
Apparently, even convenience stores can be haunted. Employees of the Scenic Quick Stop in Salina report items moving around, loud noises, voices and even glimpses of a ghost. 1645 S. State Street.
Stay overnight at Moore’s Old Pine Inn. Owners and guests often report seeing two women sitting on the front porch swing. The women evaporate as people come closer. A psychic visiting the inn reported paranormal activity in several of the rooms. 110 S. Main Street.
Some visitors have claimed to see “skin walkers” (Native American ghosts) at the sanctuary. 5001 Angel Canyon Rd.
The most photographed ghost town in the West is also reportedly haunted. Visitors say they feel breath on their necks, hear voices and footsteps and experience an eerie presence.
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Makes KSL Great Outdoors List
was posted on Nov 25th, 2015 . The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Makes KSL Great Outdoors List with two of their heritage areas. The Goblin Valley State Park and Zion National Park.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Utah is a land of diverse and breathtaking vistas filled with mind-boggling stone formations and capped with snow-covered peaks. Each day Utah’s varied landscapes put on a stunning display.
For the willing explorer and homebody alike, Utah has so much to offer. Here’s just a handful of interesting tidbits and panoramas highlighting some of Utah’s incredible outdoor treasures, beginning with a landscape that has helped make Utah an outdoor traveler’s paradise.
Goblin Valley is named for a unique collection of geological formations called hoodoos, which have been nicknamed “goblins.” Near the southern end of the San Raphael Swell, Goblin Valley’s delicate wonders have been featured in films, international news and countless family memories. It’s an otherworldly landscape as unique as any, and found only in Utah.
Along with a human history of more than 12,000 years and a dramatic world-renowned landscape of mesmerizing verticality, Zion National Park can also claim the distinction of being Utah’s very first national park.
Named Zion (which means the City of God/sanctuary) by early European-American pioneers, this one-of-a-kind Utah landscape is home to some of the world’s tallest sandstone cliffs, which dwarf even the continent’s tallest man-made structures. This red rock wonderland located in southwestern Utah is also home to an incredible number of world-renowned hikes including the Zion Narrows, Angel’s Landing and the Subway.
For these and many more reasons, Zion National Park is nearly always listed as one of North America’s most visited national parks.
When visiting these beautiful, unique landscapes, remember to always tread lightly, leave no trace and have fun. A landscape as beautiful, rugged and diverse as Utah, merits equal-parts adventure, appreciation respect and preservation.
Mike Godfrey is a graduate of BYU, and along with his wife Michelle, the owner/manager of At Home in Wild Spaces: an outdoor recreation website, blog and community dedicated to sharing national parks, wilderness areas, hiking/biking trails, and more.
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE MORMONS SHARE A RICH HISTORY
Bryon C. Andreason author of Looking For Lincoln in Illinois series has a new addition to his collection with his newly published book, Looking For Lincoln In Illinois; Lincoln And Mormon Country . This new book introduces the rich history of the early Mormon leaders and Abraham Lincoln. This edition contains over thirty amazing stories that connect President Lincoln with the Mormon community and members.
It is an honor for the Mormons and the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area to be recognized by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area with the publication of Andreason’s latest addition to his popular series.
Andreason amply tells of the great generation of the nineteenth century pioneers and of the Latter-day Saints, in Nauvoo to the state capital of Springfield. Included in this publication are maps, historic photos, Mormon expeditions, descriptive battles, interesting events of his travels, the now famous inns in which Lincoln visited. Also included in the edition are Brigham Young and various Mormon apostles of the time.
The book also includes colorful and engaging looks at key figures such as Brigham Young, various Mormon apostles, and more. Anyone inspired by Lincoln, as well as Mormon and Illinois history enthusiasts, will appreciate this look back at a long-past, but not forgotten, landscape.
Those with any interest in the history of the nineteenth century history, Abraham Lincoln, and Mormon history will sure be pleased with his latest publication.
There is another interest that the Looking For Lincoln and the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area have in common, it is the recently published book Legends, Lore& True Tales In Mormon Country. This insightful book was edited by Monte Bona, Director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
It contains contributions from authors Christian Probasco, Steven J. Clark, Eileen Hallet Stone, James Nelson, Jack C. Billings, Ed Meyer, Jack Monnet, Jason Friedman, and Shirley Bahlmann. These gifted authors have brought to life the exciting life and times in the Mormon Country.
Interesting and beloved stories of Brigham Young, Hiram Bebee, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Maude Adams, Chief Walkara, Chief Black Hawk , and Zane Grey’s ghost and numerous other stories. This book is a wonderful addition to your library, our family truly enjoys learning between myth or fact in our new home.
These books are a great Christmas gift for all that have an interest in the Mormon Country, and in President Abraham Lincoln.
“ONE OF THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD” ZION NATIONAL PARK
Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks
There is never a better time to begin your Zion National Park Adventure. As one of the Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks; it is on many lists of must see places, including National Geographic Top Ten National Park Landmarks. There are numerous reasons to visit this world wonder and all of them will fascinate the imagination and leave you breathless at the magnificent views and experience in the park.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center:
Here you will get maps and permits you will need for your exploration of the canyon. Rangers are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have. There are two main campgrounds, gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Here you will find The Watchman trail head. The towering Watchman, stands some 2500ft/1995m above the canyon floor to keep watch over and protect the canyon.
Zion Museum:
You will certainly want to visit the Zion Museum to learn the creation of Zion Canyon. Millions of years of erosion left these magnificent Navajo sandstone towers and cliffs. Zion Canyon is but one of the steps in the Grand Staircase that begins at the Grand Canyon and ends at Bryce Canyon.
Court of the Patriarchs:
With just a short hike, you will come to the base of three sandstone monoliths. These are named after the ancient old testament patriarchs: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. From here you can access the Sand Bench Trail, which will take you along the Virgin River to the Zion Lodge.
Zion Lodge:
The Zion Lodge lies in the heart of Zion Canyon. Here you will find gift shops and food service.
Emerald Pools Trailhead:
The trail head to the three Emerald Pools begins at the Zion Lodge. You can see the reflection of the surrounding cliffs as you look across these crystal clear pools.
The Grotto- Angels Landing & West Rim Trailhead:
One of the most spectacular hikes in Zion, begins here. This hike up to Angels Landing is an experience that stops those faint hearted and with a fear of heights. The 2,000 foot shear cliffs that drop off from both sides of the narrow trail, require a good deal of steal in the bravery department, as you approach the top. Although this is a psychological and physical test, the view of the canyon floor from the heights above is certainly well worth the hike.
Weeping Rock- Observation Point Trailhead:
An amazing sight is that of the porous Navajo sandstone monoliths. Water pervades down through the sandstone and as it reaches impermeable layers that allow the water to flow horizontal until it seeps to the face of the cliffs. Thus is the case of the Weeping Rock.
Big Bend – The Organ:
Big Bend will have you standing at the base of a 2,000ft/6,010m shear cliff on the north side of Angels Landing. A 1,100ft Monolith “Organ” (resembling a pipe organ) stands here at the edge of the Virgin River.
Temple of Sinawava- Riverside Walk-
Is the end of the canyon road, and the beginning of the Riverside trail. It winds along the banks of the Virgin River which ends at “The Narrows.”
The Narrows–
Is a one way 16 mile hike through the narrow canyons of the Virgin River. The towering steep cliffs over 1,000 feet high surround you.
The Riverside Trail
will allow you to go as far as you wish. The many famous Zion Park photographs are taken in Zion Canyon. These include the Patriarchs, the Great White Throne, and scenes along the Virgin River.
Outdoor Activities include:
- Biking
- Camping
- Canyoneer
- Climbing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Off Road / ATV
- Ski
- Snowboarding
Share your favorite story and photos, upload your photos on your social media #findyourpark #findyourstory.
First Annual Amazing Earthfest
| DATE 05/09/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. First Annual Amazing Earthfest |
| The First Annual Amazing Earthfest in “Dramatic” Southern UtahSouthern Utah’s Kane County
CONTACT: Cowboy Ted Hallisey 435-899-1102 Cowboyted8@aol.com WEBSITE: www.amazingearthfest.com or www.kaneutah.com KANAB, Utah—Families and individuals from all fifty states and internationally are invited to celebrate the First Annual Amazing Earthfest Celebration, happening May 21-26, 2007 in Kanab, Utah. Here travelers will discover, learn from and celebrate national and state parks, national forests and public lands of the Colorado plateau located in Utah and Arizona. Kanab plans to establish, host and support this broadly inclusive event each year in May, fostering education, scientific discovery and understanding, plus recreation and entertainment. The ultimate goal is to attract visitors from across the nation and abroad to Kane County, for the purpose of experiencing the National Parks and Public Lands that were recently described by Sunset Magazine as “dramatic.” Visitors can choose from a wide variety of scheduled activities including: lectures and demonstrations, scientific and educational symposia, Native American and Pioneer cultural programs, guided backcountry trips, expeditions and musical performances. Additional activities include: exhibitions of visual arts, painting, sculpture, hand-made crafts, culinary delights and Pioneer history. Scientific Presentations – Visiting scholars, scientists and staff from major regional educational institutions and the public land managing agencies will be invited to present on geology, ecology, biology, paleontology and archaeology, as well as land and resource management techniques. Programs are planned for a host of visitor centers in the area, as well as guided site visits and expeditions to remote locations in the region. Activities, exhibits, lectures and demonstrations will be designed to educate and inform local residents and visitors about the scientific discovery, study, history and natural wonders of Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip. Creative Arts & Entertainment – Artists, musicians and storytellers will be on-hand to express their experience of the history, life and culture of the Intermountain West, through exhibitions, concerts and presentations, including competitions for prizes. Pioneer history and culinary arts will round out visitors’ enjoyment and the Tribe of the Colorado Plateau has been invited to participate. Outdoor Recreation – Campers, hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, mountain bikers, climbers, road tourists and off-road vehicle enthusiasts are invited to make Southern Utah & Northern Arizona their destination for this springtime event; to engage in a favorite sport, while enjoying the welcoming hospitality of area service providers. OHVs are welcome on designated routes and trails. Want a special treat? Hit the Arizona Strip and learn about the Condor Release Program. Tentative Amazing Earthfest Participants ~ 2007
Also: Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dixie National Forest, East Zion Tourism Council, Kaibab National Forest, Kanab City, Kane County Office of Tourism, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Mormon Pioneer Heritage Highway, Page-Lake Powell, Utah Office of Tourism, and Zion National Park. For more information on First Annual Amazing Earthfest Celebration please call Cowboy Ted Hallisey-435-899-1102 or Rich Csenge 207-729-5825. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Fall Brings Rainbow of Color to Sanpete County, U.S. Highway 89
DATE 09/24/2005 9:12 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
Fall Brings Rainbow of Color to Sanpete County, U.S. Highway 89
Fall has arrived and the canyons, parks, forests and landscapes in Sanpete County and along historical U.S. Highway 89 are awash in color. There are vivid shades of orange, red, and gold, making the area a must-see for anyone wanting to tour the state’s seasonal, sensational sites.
In Sanpete County, be sure to drive along Skyline Drive, which is known as a bird watcher’s paradise with eagle and hawks circling overhead, and through the Manti La-Sal National Forest. The forest, in addition to boasting a spectacular display of color, offers mountain climbing and hiking trails. The Wasatch Plateau section of the Manti-La Sal Forest also contains a variety of recreation trails for foot, horse, and/or mountain biking.
As well, the northern, Manti-La Sal division offers scenic drives through the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways known as the Energy Loop. These byways wind over the Wasatch Plateau, and there are several high elevation lakes and streams that feature excellent fishing and camping, and the Arapeen Trail System is also a popular spot.
In addition to viewing the amazing fall colors, tourists can take in the cities and towns along historical U.S. Highway 89, visiting antique shops, gift stores, bed and breakfast inns, historic sites, local history and culture, and more.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
SANPETE COUNTY DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET FOR FEATURE FILM
DATE 08/28/2005 8:35 PMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
SANPETE COUNTY DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET FOR FEATURE FILM
Parts of Sanpete County, including its Hub City, Mt. Pleasant, doubled as a movie set this past month for the filming of the feature film “Last of the Mustangs.”
Several hundred local residents even got a chance to serve as movie extras during the filming of a parade scene that was shot on Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street.
“There was a huge turn out, people came from all over — decked out in Western clothes — to give their kids a chance to be in the movie or to be an extra themselves,” says Monte Bona, a member of the Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council.
Bona says that Sanpete County and Mt. Pleasant appealed to the film’s producers because of its heritage buildings and beautiful landscape. “The area suited their film perfectly. There is great scenery and a lot of horses, sheep and other animals, as well as heritage homes and farms.” The director’s spouse also grew up in Ephraim so she was familiar with the region.
The Los Angeles-based movie crew spent nearly three weeks in Sanpete County shooting the film, which is about girl who decides to photograph wild horses for a school project. After visiting a ranch and falling in love with the horses, the girl learns about illegal activities that might jeopardize the mustangs.
Much of the film was shot at a ranch only a few miles away from Mt. Pleasant. Other scenes were shot in Mt. Pleasant City Hall, in local businesses and campgrounds, and even in the city’s police station and jail.
The horses that appear in the movie are also local “movie stars.” They were supplied by Lamont Christensen of Fairview, who owns Christensen Livestock Co.
The film, which will be released in theatres, stars Miranda Cosgrove as the girl who goes to the ranch, and Fred Ward as her father. Robert Wagner also has a small role.
Bona says that the Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council hopes more movies will be filmed in the area in the future. “Sanpete County really is an ideal film location,” he says. “It’s situated near the Provo and with two hours of the Salt Lake International airport. In addition, there are a lot of wide-open spaces and not too many power lines around, which makes it perfect for people hoping to re-create a pre-1950s feel in a film.”
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
