Albuquerque, N.M. – On Friday, July 16, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) will host a tour of Petroglyph National Monument for 200 students who are participating in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Convention and Exposition in Albuquerque. The tour will provide students with a morning excursion to a spectacular national park, while learning about the National Park Service and potential career opportunities.

Participants will travel to Petroglyph National Monument where they will tour the sacred volcanoes, learn about the ancient archaeological sites and the estimated 24,000 carved images for which the park was named, and importantly – interact with Park Service personnel and discuss possible careers within the agency.   

“There is nothing more enduring than connecting people to these special places, and we believe this park experience could spark these students’ imaginations and dreams about future career choices,” said NPCA Director of Ally Development Vanessa Morel. “The national parks belong to all of us and are ours to enjoy and protect – we must ensure we prepare and inspire the next generation of park stewards.” 

On Saturday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will travel to Albuquerque to lead a youth listening session as part of the Administration’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. The listening session will provide local youth an opportunity to voice their concerns and thoughts on our great outdoors, including our country’s 392 national parks. For additional information on the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative and the Albuquerque listening session, please visit http://www.npca.org/americasgreatoutdoors/.

NPCA will have representatives at the LULAC Convention and Expo, which is expected to draw 25,000 people to the Albuquerque Convention Center over the four day event. NPCA will be stationed at booth # 630. For additional information on the event, please see http://www.lulac.net/events/convention10.html.

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