Bringing the Parks to Washington, Iron, and Kane County Classrooms

“Teachers and students are always excited when the park rangers come,” a principal at a Washington County Title I school points out, “and I look forward to welcoming them.” When asked what her classroom experienced when the park rangers came to her school, a Heritage Elementary school teacher expressed: “We were lucky enough to have a ZNP ranger visit our classroom! It was an incredible opportunity for my students to connect their learning in the classroom with the real world. As a result, my students were motivated and inspired to explore the park with their families, and most importantly, they become more aware of the importance of conservation and preservation of our National Parks!”

In 2018, six seasonal park rangers visited hundreds of classrooms, engaging with thousands of children in Washington, Iron, and Kane counties. With a specific focus on the region’s 23 Title I schools, this program reaches students from low-income families who may have never visited one of our parks despite living only a short distance away. As park rangers enter their classrooms, children learn our parks belong to each of them and are personally invited to visit. In 2019, classroom engagement will be extended to include classroom visits during the fall months, which will impact 1000 additional students