/ National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC20240
202-208-6843

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National Park Service, National Park FoundationSesame StreetNEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2013

Contacts:National Park Service - Kathy Kupper, 202-208-6843,

National Park Foundation - Marjorie Hall, 202-354-6460,

Sesame Workshop- Pam Hacker, 212-875-6225,

Sesame Street Explores National Parks

Elmo and MurrayLearn about Natureat

Travel with fun-loving Muppets Elmo and Murray from Sesame Street to two of America’s most popular national parks in a new online series, Sesame Street Explores National Parks. Six shortvideos and accompanying hands-on activities that introduce preschoolers to the natural world were unveiled today bySesame Street, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation.

“These videos and activities will inspirechildrento hop, skip or jump to their nearest national park or green space,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “We hope they have fun and get excited about spending time outside. At this age, every bug, mud puddle or fallen log is fascinating. We want to tap into that sense of wonder and curiosityand plant the seed for life long exploration.”

The videos offer a multimedia park experience for children ages 3-5 and their families and educators, using the power of media to promote science learning through experiences in national parks as well asin local parks and backyards.

“The goal of this project is to leverage the unique power of the Sesame Street Muppets to model scientific inquiry skills within the context of the national parks to enhance young children’s attitudes and knowledge about science and nature,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Education and Research at Sesame Workshop. “The materials,designed for parents, educators and caregivers, provide activities for them to engage in with their young children as they explore nature together.”

Park rangers from Grand CanyonNational Parkin Arizonaand Gateway National Recreation Area in New York Cityencourage Elmo, Murray, and children across the countryto utilize all of their senses to investigate and observethe outdoors. The videos teach young people about habitats, seasons, plants, and animals.Theylearn how to conduct an animal survey, look for nests, identify migration patterns, and simply listen to the sounds of nature.

“Engaging America’s youth in national parks across the country is of the utmost importance,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Parks provide a perfect combination of natural classroom and playground, and it is never too early to encourage enjoyment and stewardship of these special places.”

Sesame Street Explores National Parks will be available on the websites and social media outlets of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation and Sesame Street.

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at .

About the National Park Foundation.You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land.

About Sesame Workshop. Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 150 countries, and other acclaimed shows including The Electric Company, to help bridge the literacy gap. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues, including literacy, health, and resilience. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits, and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at .

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