Case for Support
Purpose: An estimated half million children come to Rocky Mountain National Park each year with their families. There aren't enough park naturalists to talk to every child. So a multitude of educational exhibits provide basic natural history lessons. Over the years donors to the Rocky Mountain Nature Association have contributed many of these educational exhibits in Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers. Quite a few of these displays were especially designed with children in mind. But no matter how durably they were built, they still suffer from popularity, from years of wear and tear. It is important to keep them well maintained. No kid should be disappointed by an "Out of Order" sign.
History: Beginning with the Kawuneeche Visitor Center project in 1987, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association has contributed funds from the sale of publications to create and maintain exhibits. As a focal point for environmental education the Moraine Park Museum offers some of the best exhibits for kids found anywhere in the National Park System. Similarly at the Fall River Visitor Center, the wildlife exhibits and Discovery Center were specifically intended to capture kids' imaginations. Because of philanthropy, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts some of the best children’s exhibits in the National Park System. But educational exhibits age swiftly. They must be updated and replaced, not allowed to become dusty curiosities children will ignore.
Accomplishments; The Rocky Mountain Nature Association has helped design, fabricate and install educational exhibits at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Moraine Park Museum, Lily Lake Visitor Center (temporarily closed), and Fall River Visitor Center. These exhibits represent an educational investment of $1 million since 1987. The Nature Association continually repairs or replaces these exhibits.
Annual Need: Donor boxes appeal to park users to pitch in to help maintain exhibits. But replacement and updating must be done to keep exhibits attractive. Lacking endowment funds, $35,000 is required annually.