Publications for the Next Generation

Purpose:  The Rocky Mountain Nature Association’s “Publications for the Next Generation” program produces educational materials to encourage awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of national parks and forests. It assists the National Park and Forest Services in extending a conservation message to young people, hoping to interest them in the wonders of their public lands. The Publications Program recognizes that educational materials such as books, videos and games can extend conservation messages beyond the limits of classrooms, ranger-led hikes and seminars. The portability of these items allows them to be shared and used frequently and repeatedly. The Next Generation Fund underwrites the cost of developing publications for children and those who will be tomorrow’s conservationists.    

History:  The Rocky Mountain Nature Association publications program was a cornerstone of the organization’s foundation in 1931. It was established to educate visitors about the natural and cultural history of the park.  Starting with small pamphlets and brochures about plants and wildlife, the program gradually broadened to include a variety of topics, from geology to ecology, from plant identification to historical preservation.  In 1997, RMNA supporter Janet Hagen provided a donation making possible a sticker and game book for children, Trail Ridge Road Adventure.  In recent years gifts from supportive donors have enabled the creation of an expanding array of books, games and other educational materials.

Accomplishments:  Since 1931 the RMNA publications program has created a host of interpretive books, many of them award-winning.  Recent titles include: Rocky Mountain Rustic: Historic Buildings of the Rocky Mountain National Park Area; Wildlife Viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park; Trail Ridge Road Adventure Sticker Book; Rocky Mountain National Park: A Natural History Handbook; High Country Names; Facing the Frontier: The Story of the MacGregor Ranch; Geology Along Trail Ridge Road; the award-winning Junior Ranger Adventure: Mount Evans Scenic Byway; Alpine Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains; Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park; My Pioneer Life: The Memoirs of Abner E. Sprague; A Day in Rocky; and a variety of trail and road guides.  Most of these resulted from direct donations.

Sample comments from users of publications:
“I think the Junior Ranger Program is by far my favorite part of ANY national park. It allows kids to become part of the park and learn about an important part of our country.”—Mother of an eight year-old

“I liked finding the animals. I would not know the names of some of them if it wasn’t for that list.” – Seven year-old

Annual Need:  With $22,000 in yearly financial support from The Next Generation Fund endowment, this program has been expanded by concentrating its efforts on children’s publications and the production of items for sale in Visitor Center Bookstores that actively engage children’s interest in their national parks.

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