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New Exhibits For Kids Open As Winter Settles In At Lassen Volcanic National Park

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By NPT Staff - November 29th, 2016

Snow-covered Lassen Peak rises above Manzanita Lake. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives about 30 feet of snow each winter/NPS, Scott Arnaz

Recent storms have brought wintry conditions to Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California, closing the park road to through traffic but opening activities for snow enthusiasts. And as of last month, the park has two new interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy after a day of sledding.

“Winter is a wonderful time to visit the park. There is a snow-covered landscape just waiting to be explored,” Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons said in a release. “We invite you to the park to snowshoe, ski, go sledding, or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace in the visitor center.”

Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays starting January 7. On January 14, the park’s annual Ski Celebration features a presentation of ski films in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, a ski patrol display, and a gathering around an outdoor fire pit for fun conversation.

The park highway is open to the Manzanita Lake area at the north entrance and to the visitor center one mile inside the southwest entrance.

The visitor center, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday in the winter, recently unveiled two learning stations aimed at kids ages 4 to 11.

One station focuses on the park’s natural history, and kids can learn about the nearby red fir forest by using their senses, discover the important role of insects by drawing their own, and learn about adaptation by examining animal skulls. The second challenges young visitors to see how their choices impact their energy use, explore the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and investigate the cause of Lassen’s changing climate.

“Providing hands-on activities is a great way to engage our next generation of park stewards,” Gibbons said. “The new energy challenge activity helps kids understand how much energy they use as a result of choices they make every day. Other activities in the exhibit connect that energy use to visible changes in the park.”

Visitors to the park should be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Check the most recent weather forecast, dress in layers, and carry food and water. Stow a shovel, extra blankets, and tire chains in your vehicle in case unexpected winter road conditions delay your travel.

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