press release - archive
Family Fun Adventure for Summer 2007
A FAMILY ADVENTURE AMONG THE GIANT SEQUOIA
Wuksachi Nature Adventure for Families Kicks-Off in May
The Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park is introducing a new way for families to explore the Park this summer, the Wuksachi Nature Adventure. Valid May through October, the adventure game is designed to give families a unique and memorable Big Trees experience.
The Wuksachi Nature Adventure includes for each team a souvenir backpack filled with adventure game gear (bottled water, trail mix, High Sierra Field Guide, logbooks to record “nature points,” and a Wuksachi Bearpaw prize for children 4 years of age or older); the use of a GPS unit and digital camera for the day; and a Wuksachi Medallion awarded to the team member with the highest score. The one-day game is packaged with accoomodations at Wuksachi Lodge and is priced at $299 including one night in a deluxe room or $ 499 for two nights; rates cover one or two adults and up to three children in the same room and sharing the adventure materials and tools.
The Wuksachi Nature Adventure involves locating, photographing and logging different features in the Park, using a “nature points” system. The game’s objective is simple: collect as many “nature points” as possible. All the tools necessary for this memorable outdoor adventure are provided as part of the Wuksachi Nature Adventure package. Participants use GPS coordinates to locate various flora and fauna, unique geological features, and special Sequoia National Park highlights, each of worth a certain number of “nature points.” The natural attractions are photographed and points entered in the Wuksachi Adventure logbook. At the end of the day’s outing, points are tallied and players’ totals matched to a Naturalist Level, from the lowest score, (City Folk), to the highest, (the Ghost of John Muir).
Guests participating in the Adventure are given a “nature points” game tutorial, which includes instructions on designating a team name and mascot, assignment of Adventure game gear, a briefing on using the gear, and guidance on the rules of the game. “The premise behind the Wuksachi Nature Adventure is for our guests to experience the natural beauty of Sequoia National Park while bonding with their family in a fun and healthy atmosphere,” said Andy Grinsfelder, Wuksachi Lodge’s General Manager. The nature activities Grinsfelder and his wife devised for their own children inspired the program.
Located at 7,200 feet in the heart of Sequoia National Park on the western slope California’s Central Sierra, the 102-room Wuksachi Lodge is beautifully crafted of cedar and stone. The 102 guest rooms, nestled among the pines in several buildings, all feature private baths, cable TV, direct dial telephones with data ports, coffee makers, hair dryers, iron/board, mini-refrigerators, and daily maid service.
Sequoia National Park, includes the Giant Forest, an immense grove of more then 8,000 colossal sequoia trees, including the General Sherman, reputed to be the world’s largest living thing. Wildlife watching abounds with over 1,460 species of plants and more than 320 species of animals.
To make a Wuksachi Nature Adventure reservation, call (866)-807-3598 or click to the website www.VisitSequoia.com.
Wuksachi Lodge is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, one of the nation’s leading hospitality management companies, under contract with the National Park Service.
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For further information concerning press releases contact:
Cynthia Fontayne (310) 821-4678
Public Information: (866) 807-3598
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007 WINTER SEASON
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2007
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007 WINTER SEASON
IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK:
$79-$99 ROOM RATES AND GROOMED NORDIC SKI TRAILS
Discounted winter lodging rates equal nearly
50% savings through March 31, 2007
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA, January 18, 2007 - Recent Sierra storms have brought fresh snow to Sequoia National Park, signaling the official opening of the winter ski and recreation season. Winter enthusiasts can now enjoy Sequoia’s tranquil scenic beauty, plus dramatically discounted lodging rates and an abundance of winter recreational activities.
Discounted lodging rates
The winter season offers the best lodging values of the year at Sequoia’s deluxe Wuksachi Lodge, with rates beginning at $79 midweek and $99 on weekends. These discounted room rates represent a nearly 50-percent savings from regular rates, and are valid from now until March 31, 2006 for two people per room, per night, plus tax. Children 12 and under stay free in the same room.
Free High Speed Wi-Fi
Wuksachi Lodge now offer free high speed wireless internet access in the main lodge and conference rooms. Guests can now curl up next to our wood burning stove in comfortable mission style furniture.
New winter Family Fun Package
Wuksachi Lodge also offers a recreation package, including an overnight room plus choice of snowshoe or cross country ski equipment rental for two people and a sled for each child to keep. Rates for the recreation package begin at $109. Wuksachi Lodge is the ideal winter destination resort, with convenient ski-in/ski-out access to miles of forest trails and all the modern guest amenities of a three-diamond rated ski lodge.
New groomed Nordic ski trails
New this year: Wuksachi Lodge now features groomed cross country ski trails, snowshoe and ski equipment rentals and lessons on weekends. Wuksachi has gently sloping family friendly trails looking out at Mount Silver and Mount Silliman. Located within Wuksachi Lodge, the Alta Ski Shop serves as a convenient home base for winter sports enthusiasts with the addition of machine groomed trails, equipment rentals, lessons, ranger guided snowshoe walks and light refreshments. Currently trails are groomed on weekends only, however that may increase to include midweek days, pending increased visitor demand.
Visitors can make lodging reservations online at www.VisitSequoia.com, as well as obtain the latest park news, road and weather information. Reservations can also be made by calling toll-free at 866-807-3598.
For many, winter is a favorite time of year to visit Sequoia National Park, where the pace is unhurried and the scenery spectacular. Guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy exploring the Giant Forest Museum offering free admission daily, participating in guided snowshoe nature walks and scheduled interpretive programs.
Located in the heart of Sequoia National Park on the western slope of the Central Sierra, the 102-room Wuksachi Lodge features a panoramic mountain setting, full-service restaurant, cocktail lounge, retail shop, and 1,320 square feet of dedicated meeting space. Furnishings reflect an upscale, natural décor highlighting native granite rock, oak, cedar, and hickory woods. Guest amenities include televisions, telephones with computer data ports, mini-refrigerators, coffee-makers, ski racks, daily maid service, and ample complimentary self-parking.
The Wuksachi Lodge is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, one of the nation’s leading hospitality management companies, under contract with the National Park Service.
About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts:
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company's portfolio includes some of the unique properties in North America, including Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia and Yellowstone national parks; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa near Vancouver, British Columbia; Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach State Park; The Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park, Ohio; and The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel.
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For further information concerning press releases contact: Cynthia Fontayne 310-821-4678
Public Information: 866-807-3598
BBQ and Barn Dance - 2005
For Immediate Release: August 5, 2005
SEQUOIA FUND TO HOST SEPTEMBER 17 "BBQ AND BARN DANCE BASH" CELEBRATING SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK'S 115th BIRTHDAY
Authentic western barbecue dinner, live band, square dancing
and silent auction to raise funds for new "Ranger in a Classroom" school program
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA, August 5, 2005 - On September 17, Sequoia National Park will celebrate its 115th birthday in grand style. A day-long celebration hosted by the non-profit Sequoia Fund will include fun-filled festivities that the public is invited to attend, culminating with an evening western-style barbecue dinner and square dance at Beetle Rock.
Numerous activities, designed to appeal to all ages and interests, will be free of charge, such as: children’s games, scheduled ranger talks and guided walks, wildlife demonstrations, a John Muir living history presentation, evening star gazing program and a raffle/silent auction for valuable prizes. Beginning at 5:00 pm at the Park's Beetle Rock Education Center, an all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner will be followed by a live band, square dancing and private screening of the Walt Disney film "One Day on Beetle Rock". Ticket prices for the dinner/dance/movie are $40 per adult and $10 for children under 12.
Proceeds raised from the dinner/barn dance will fund the Sequoia Fund's new "Ranger in a Classroom" program in San Joaquin Valley elementary schools. The 2 year-long pilot educational outreach program will bring park rangers to local elementary school classrooms to communicate the story, values and mission of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The program, supported entirely by donations and fundraising endeavors, will closely follow the approved California State Curriculum in science and social sciences.
"We recognize that the San Joaquin Valley communities are experiencing a very rapid population growth, and because many of these families are non-native Californians, they do not have an inherited familiarity of our national park system," explains Maureen Swed, Sequoia Fund Executive Director. "The Sequoia Fund’s educational goal is to reach children at an early age, providing a basis of understanding and respect for national parks that will foster a strong and enduring foundation of support throughout their lifetime."
Tickets for the Sequoia Fund’s "BBQ and Barn Dance Bash" can be purchased in person at two Visalia locations: the Visalia Chamber of Commerce/Sequoia Fund Office and Sequoia Riverlands Trust Office as well as the National Parks Conservation Association Office in Fresno.
For information on the event, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Sequoia Fund at 559-739-1668.
Founded in 1986, the Sequoia Fund is a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to supporting and funding projects which enhance the restoration, conservation and enjoyment of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and the Devils Postpile National Monument.
