Do you like playing in water on a hot summer day? That can be a great way to cool down on a summer adventure in parks\, but always staying safe in and near the water is important. Learn and practice smart water tips at this weekend&rsquo\;s Safety on the Blue. This hands-on water safety event is one of several programs in parks this week. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water\, snacks\, camera\, and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this week&rsquo\;s featured ranger programs in area national parks.
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\n\nTuesday\, July 28\, 2015:
\n\nRanger on the Rock
\n\n5:30 pm - \;7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview&rsquo\;s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
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\n\nWednesday\, July 29\, 2015:
\n\nRanger on the Rock
\n\n5:30 pm - \;7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview&rsquo\;s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
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\n\nThursday\, July 30\, 2015:
\n\nRanger on the Rock
\n\n5:30 pm - \;7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview&rsquo\;s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
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\n\nFriday\, July 31\, 2015:
\n\nRanger on the Rock
\n\n5:30 pm - \;7:00 pm. Meet at Grandview&rsquo\;s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
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\n\nSaturday\, August 1\, 2015:
\n\nMeet the Artist in the Park
\n\n10:00 am &ndash\; \;4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park&rsquo\;s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer &ldquo\;Resident Artist&rdquo\; Cecil Glenn Runions\, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park\, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
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\n\nBluestone Walk
\n\n10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk. \; \;Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way\, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
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\n\nBluestone Turnpike Hike
\n\n10:00 am &ndash\; 4:00 pm. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 10 mile walk. \; \;Take a walk on the wild side through Bluestone National Scenic River and explore the beauty and diversity of this remote area. Hikers will travel with a ranger along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail\, which runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A FREE shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a lunch and plenty of water. Please call Sandstone Visitor Center \;(304-466-0417) to register.
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\n\nHistoric Thurmond Tour
\n\n11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge&rsquo\;s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond&rsquo\;s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town\, hearing stories of days gone by.
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\n\nRanger on the Rock
\n\n6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Meet at Grandview&rsquo\;s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.
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\n\nSunday\, August 2\, 2015:
\n\nMeet the Artist in the Park
\n\n10:00 am &ndash\; \;4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park&rsquo\;s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer &ldquo\;Resident Artist&rdquo\; Cecil Glenn Runions\, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park\, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
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\n\nHistoric Thurmond Tour
\n\n11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge&rsquo\;s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond&rsquo\;s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town\, hearing stories of days gone by.
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\n\nRanger&rsquo\;s Choice
\n\n2:00 pm &ndash\; 3:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Come and go as you please for this informal talk with a ranger. Topic will focus on an amazing aspect of recreation\, natural history\, or cultural heritage of the New River Gorge.
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\n\nSafety on the Blue
\n\n1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Meet at Bluestone Lake (Pits Road on Route 20 just south of Hinton). Join in on the fun for this interactive water safety program for all ages. Activities include: free boat rides\, casting contest\, coloring contest\, music and more.
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\n\nFor more information about participating sites visit:
\n\nNational Park Service: \;http://www.nps.gov/neri\, \;http://www.facebook.com/
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\n\nAbout the National Park Service
\n\nEXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
\n\nThe National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service\, visit \;http://www.nps.gov.
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\n\nPhoto caption: A free boat ride is a good place to learn safe boating tips during the \;Safety on the Blue \;event on Bluestone Lake. National Park Service photo.
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