JASPER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friends of Jasper Special Events., May 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
The Friends of Jasper National Park host a variety of park-related special events. Theatre presentations, guest speakers and other special events take place throughout the year. Visit www.friendsofjasper.com to see what is coming up next.

Hiking Kits., May 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
Make the most of your next hike by borrowing a hiking kit from the Friends of Jasper National Park. You’ll receive a backpack containing a few essentials to help you learn more on your hike. Sign it out for FREE from the Friends of Jasper National Park gift shop, located in the Jasper Information Centre.

NEW! Beyond Books., May 1 - September 27, 2008
Join local authors for walks and talks along their favourite trails. Hear passages from their books while enjoying the beauty and serenity of Jasper National Park. Visit www.friendsofjasper.com to find out when the next event will take place. To ensure your spot on walks (group size is limited) pick up a FREE ticket at the Friends’ shop in the Information Centre. Donations appreciated.

Early Birds – Birdwatching Hikes., May 1 - June 29, 2008
Get out and enjoy some of Jasper’s best birding habitats with a Friends of Jasper National Park volunteer. Whether you’re a beginner birder or looking to add a lifer to your list, our hikes are a great way to familiarize yourself with the park, meet others who share your interests, and see the birds that grace our forests each spring. This FREE program begins Sunday mornings at 7:30 (May and June) outside the Nature Calls building. Bring your binoculars and wear your hiking boots for this morning adventure. Donations appreciated.

Junior Naturalist Club., May 17 - September 30, 2008
Hey kids! Will you be visiting a few mountain parks during your holiday? You can join the Junior Naturalist Club by collecting stamps and stickers from each Friends groups in the mountain national parks. Drop by any Friends store located in Parks Canada Information Centres to pick up your FREE activity booklet.

Jasper…A Walk in the Past., May 17 - September 30, 2008
Take a step back in time and discover the characters that helped shape Jasper National Park and the mountain town of Jasper. This 1.5 hour historical walking tour of town takes participants on a personal journey into the past through a variety of stories about the people, places and events that have made Jasper what it is today. Program begins at the historic Information Centre nightly at 7:30 (May to September). To ensure your spot on the tour (group size is limited) pick up a FREE ticket at the Friends’ shop in the Information Centre. Donations appreciated.

Full Moon Hikes., May 20 - September 17, 2008
Explore nature after dark with the Friends of Jasper National Park. A volunteer guide will bring you to one of their favourite places in the park to enjoy the night sky and the full moon. You’ll learn more about the stars, nocturnal animals and things that go bump in the night while enjoying a moonlight hike. Program dates for 2008 will be: May 20, June 18, July 18, August 16 and September 16. To ensure your spot on the hike (group size is limited) pick up a FREE ticket at the Friends’ shop in the Information Centre beginning two days before the scheduled date. Donations appreciated.

Friends in Wild Spaces…., June 1 - September 30, 2008
Now and then the park needs a little help from its friends. Meet new people and learn more about the park while showing it that you care. Trail project days will take place every second Tuesday and fourth Saturday from June through September. If you miss those days, there are other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Visit www.friendsofjasper.com or contact Heather at the Friends’ office to find out more information. Friends use donations, grants and proceeds from sales at the Friends’ shop to support restoration projects in the park. Plan a picnic at Pyramid Island or a hike to Cavell Meadows to see what Friends’ volunteers have been able to accomplish.

NEW! Discover More Hikes., June 1 - September 30, 2008
Are you new to the area or to hiking in general? Learn the basics of responsible trail use on a guided hike along the Jasper Discovery Trail. You’ll learn how to read trail maps, how to pack properly, what to wear to be comfortable for a day on the trails and much more. Hikers can meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays outside the Nature Calls building at 10am (June through September). To ensure your spot (group size is limited) pick up a FREE ticket at the Friends’ shop in the Information Centre. Donations appreciated.

Junior Naturalist., June 25 - August 25, 2008
This exciting environmental awareness program helps young visitors gain an understanding of the natural world and their important role in helping to protect it. Through a variety of hands-on activities and adventures, children (aged 6-10) can get out, get active, and learn more about the outdoors. This FREE program runs nightly at 5pm at the Whistlers campground amphitheatre from late June to late August. To ensure a spot (space is limited), parents must pre-register their children at the campground theatre. Donations appreciated.

Parks Day., July 19, 2008
Canada’s Parks Day is a national event showcasing parks and historic sites in every province and territory in Canada. Help us celebrate one the country's biggest and best by taking part in the many activities held throughout the day in Jasper National Park. Drop by the Information Centre lawn from 10am to 3pm to participate in free guided hikes, interactive learning opportunities, climbing wall, children’s activities, fundraising barbecue, interpretive displays, cultural exhibits, and more. For full details, times and locations, visit www.friendsofjasper.com.

Jasper Heritage Rodeo., August 13 - 16, 2008
For more information visit www.jasperheritagerodeo.com