(GERING, NE)  April 18-26 is National Park Week, one of America’s largest celebrations of national heritage. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces.  Writer and historian, Wallace Stegner called our national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” All national park entrance fees will be waived on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19.

Locally, Scotts Bluff National Monument will celebrate National Park Week with the following events, and you’re invited!

To get things started, Scotts Bluff National Monument will host an early Earth Day celebration, The Monumental Clean Up, on Friday, April 17.  Volunteers are invited to join the park staff from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 17 to do a little spring cleaning. This year, participants will work with rangers to help remove graffiti and help park staff with roadside litter clean up. Volunteers will meet park staff at the visitor center at 9:00 a.m. and should be dressed in long pants and sturdy shoes. Gloves, water, and snacks will be available. There will be no entrance fees charged for volunteers and their families assisting with the Monumental Clean Up.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run up the bluff? Spring Up the Bluff will take place on Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 am. Bring 5 of your friends or family members for a fun relay up the summit road. The relay race is organized and sponsored by NEXT Young Professionals. Each team will be composed of six members with running and walking divisions, three age categories, and teams may be comprised of all male, all female or mixed genders. Participants may register online at www.bluffrun.eventbrite.com or on race day at 7:00 a.m.

The annual An Artist’s Perception Art Show will kick off on Sunday, April 19. Regional artists from the North Platte Valley Artist Guild will display examples of their art work in various media at the Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center from April 19 through May 10, 2015. The artwork will showcase the scenery, and the natural and cultural history of the area. The artists will be honored at a reception sponsored by the Oregon Trail Museum Association on Sunday, April 19 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Please join us for the celebration and vote for your favorite artwork.

For further information concerning National Park Week events please check the National Monument’s web page at www.nps.gov/scbl, or call the visitor center at 308-436-9700.  The Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The summit road is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  All Monument trails are open from sunrise until sunset.