Release date: Immediate 

Contact(s): Patrick Gamman 

Phone number: (361) 949-8173 extension 9427 

Date: June 26, 2017

Next generation of national park and historic places stewards meet for Youth Summit at Palo Alto Battle NHP, King Ranch, and Padre Island NS.

Corpus Christi, Brownsville, King Ranch, TX | Starting Tuesday June 27th, the Texas Preserve America Youth Summit will host 65 middle and high school students, from across the state, in an effort to take on the challenges of keeping historic places relevant for the next generation. While visiting Padre Island National Seashore, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, and King Ranch National Historic Landmark students will get to meet with park managers and advocates to learn the history of the area and use their voice to help elevate the importance of youth involvement in the growth of the area.

Partners for this year's summit include Conservation Legacy, National Park Service, Texas Historical Commission, National Parks Conservation Association, The History Channel, and John L. Nau, III.

“This is the fourth youth summit where NPCA has worked with Preserve America to educate, engage and empower teens to become the next generation of park advocates," said Suzanne Dixon, Senior Regional Director for National Parks Conservation Association's. "We are excited by the commitment these

young people have shown to be leaders in the world of historic and cultural preservation. They're doing extraordinary work, and their participation at the town hall (the final meeting between students and stake holders) will continue to challenge us and their elected officials to join them in their efforts."

A nationally recognized program, the Youth Summits offer interactive, outcome-driven experiences to directly engage students and teachers in discussions and advocacy about cultural heritage, archaeology, heritage tourism, historic preservation, and stewardship of public lands. Youth gain invaluable experience being treated as “consultants” providing ideas and producing recommendations on current critical issues.

Learn more about this program by visiting youthsummits@conservationlegacy.org or call Ann Pritzlaff at (303) 475-9403. #findyourpark #PAYS2017

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA TM The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

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