Schools out, and it's a good time to make those summer plans with your family. Do you know about the "Every Kid Outdoors" initiative which offers 4th graders free access to federal lands. The pass provides free admission to over 2,000 federal recreation areas.

According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), their Every Kid Outdoors program aims to inspire a love of nature and adventure in fourth graders across the country. The Bureau of Land Management administers a variety of landscapes for multiple uses over more than 16 million acres of public land in Oregon and Washington. These lands host complex natural systems that provide habitat to thousands of plant and animal species and are managed promote landscape health. BLM is committed to a multiple-use approach to managing our public lands. Major programs include forestry, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat management.

There are a few ways to obtain a pass: one is by visiting the "Get Your Pass" section of everykidoutdoors.gov, complete an online game, and download a personalized voucher.

To find out which areas are included in the pass, or to plan a trip, head to everykidoutdoors.gov/plan. Note that this is for National Parks and Federal lands. 

Last month's OPF News included our article on National Forests and Recreation areas. Read more...

This story of traveling with her kids to National Parks by Janice Kao first appeared in the Momedit.

She used the Every Kid Outdoors pass to plan several itineraries including in  Oregon and Washington. She also has some great tips and links for help planning your own trips. 

Photo: Jason Landers

Close to home, Oregon Parks Forever's TRACK Trails (TT) are a type of environmental treasure hunt for young children and families to get unplugged and active outdoors. TT offers a series of self-guided activities that turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. Each trail has four customized brochures that help kids learn about local flora and fauna, topics such as birds, trees, flowers, ferns, and animal tracks. They can record their trip at www.KidsInParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure even more fun and meaningful.

Oregon Parks Forever has set a goal of funding 50 TRACK Trails across the state of Oregon. TRACK Trails in Oregon can be found at:

Morgan Lake in LaGrande,

Mount Emily Recreation Area in Lagrande,

Willow Creek Canyon in Madras,

Crooked River Wetlands in Prineville,

Barnes Butte in Prineville,

Rimrock Park in Prineville,

Metzler Park in Clackamas County,,

Eagle Fern Park In Clackamas County,

Rickreal Trail in Dallas,

Roger Jordan Park in Dallas,

Timber Park in Clackamas County,

Disc Golf Course at Metzler Park in Clackamas County,

Ocean to Bay Trail in Newport.

The Following Track Trails will open by June 22:

Community Park in Pendleton,

Riverfront Park in Hermiston,

Riverwalk in Boardman,

Visitors Center at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge,

and at The McNary Dam.

 In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 1, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of four new national recreation trails in four states, adding 33.5 miles to the National Trails System. The newly designated Banks-Vernonia Trail, 30 minutes from Portland, joins a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails. 

The 21-mile pathway follows an abandoned railroad bed that carves through 13 different bridges, farmland, forested foothills, and views of the Oregon Coast Range. The gentle grade and interactive signs detailing the area’s history make the trail popular with hikers, bikers, strollers and horses. 

photo Rick Obst

We count on your memberships and donations to fund our current programs that we have planned that will enhance your experience in Oregon’s parks and forests so that everyone will have access to enjoy nature, places replanted and restored, and where kids can learn and have fun. Join Now check out the levels and premiums in this email. They make great gifts for adventurers for birthdays, graduations, and Father's Day.

Become part of a growing community today that is helping to enhance, preserve, and protect special places and experiences in parks and forests throughout Oregon.  Join Today

Traveler Membership $35.00

Sunny Day Membership $50.00

Let's Go Membership $75

Adventure Membership $125.00

Ready to Go Membership $250.00

Do it All Van Life $750.

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